Reynold Ramos Custodio

Reynold Ramos Custodio
"Rey"
May 28, 1959 – January 13, 2025
Reynold Ramos Custodio, lovingly known as "Rey," passed away on January 13, 2025, at his residence in Wilmington, California. He was born on May 28, 1959, at Harbor General Hospital in Torrance, California—arriving 14 minutes after his fraternal twin, Roland "Roy."
The youngest of the Custodio family, Rey was born to the late Max Melendres Custodio and Agustina Ramos Custodio. He is survived by his siblings: Lawrence Custodio (Marilyn), Elizabeth Custodio-Cox (Michael), Gilbert Custodio (Melanie), and Roland Custodio (Karen). He was preceded in death by his siblings Manuel Custodio and Tomasina Custodio-Jones.
Rey and Roy spent their early years in Torrance, where their mischievous adventures were a constant source of both joy and discipline. Their mother would often make them kneel as punishment, but the twins had a system—one keeping watch while the other relaxed, always looking out for one another.
In 1964, the family moved to Wilmington, where Rey and his siblings built lifelong friendships, forming the “O” St. Gang—a group of athletes who never backed down from a challenge in baseball, football, or basketball. Rey stood out as one of the best athletes, playing Little League baseball at Banning Park, Pony League baseball at Harbor Park, and Pop Warner football for the Wilmington Jr. Bantam Pilots. In high school, he played freshman football and was a starting infielder on the varsity baseball team.
Rey graduated from Banning High School in June 1977 and enlisted in the U.S. Army on November 1, 1978. He completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and advanced training at Fort Eustis, Virginia. His first assignment was at Fort Ord, California, in 1979, followed by Schofield Barracks in Hawaii from 1980 to 1981. As a helicopter mechanic (MOS 67V), Rey specialized in maintaining OH-58 scout helicopters used for reconnaissance. During his service, he also completed a three-month tour in Korea.
After receiving an honorable discharge in 1981, Rey remained in Hawaii until 1989, forming deep bonds with friends he considered family—his ohana, as he called them. He returned home in 1989 at Roy’s urgent request due to their father’s declining health. From that moment on, Rey dedicated himself to caring for both of his parents until their passing, embodying the role of a devoted son.
Throughout his life, Rey took on various jobs, including working in an auto warehouse prepping cars and long-distance trucking with Swift Transportation. In 1997, he began working as a casual longshoreman, setting his sights on a career in the industry. His perseverance paid off when he became a B-book longshoreman in 2003 and achieved A-book status in 2004—realizing his dream job. Rey worked on the waterfront for 28 years, forging strong friendships with his Local 13 family and his crew at the LBCT ship side and rails. He truly cherished those friendships.
Rey was a generous, selfless man who never hesitated to help others. He was deeply family-oriented, always present at gatherings with his signature pork adobo and chicken teriyaki. Camping trips with loved ones were among his favorite pastimes. He adored his nieces and nephews, never missing a birthday and always sending something special their way.
Rey was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.
Services
Green Hills Memorial Park
27501 South Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, California
• Viewing: Friday, February 28, 2025 | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
• Funeral Service: Saturday, March 1, 2025 | 11:30 AM