The quiet city of Cohoes, New York, is in shock and sorrow after the sudden death of two of its beloved residents, Chelly Rotko and her husband Al Reyes. The couple, who were married for 25 years, passed away unexpectedly on December 18, 2023, leaving behind a significant void in the community and stirring immense grief among their loved ones and acquaintances.
Who Were Chelly Rotko and Al Reyes?
Chelly Rotko, 52, and Al Reyes, 54, were well-known and respected members of the Cohoes community, where they lived for most of their lives. They were both active and generous, involved in various local organizations and causes, such as the Cohoes Rotary Club, the Cohoes Senior Center, the Cohoes Music Hall, and the Cohoes Fire Department.
Chelly was a talented and passionate artist, who owned and operated a pottery studio called Chelly’s Clayworks in downtown Cohoes. She taught pottery classes to children and adults, and created beautiful and unique pieces of art that reflected her personality and vision. She was also a devoted mother to her two sons, Jake and Josh, and a loving grandmother to her two grandchildren, Lily and Leo.
Al was a retired firefighter, who served the Cohoes Fire Department for 28 years. He was a brave and dedicated hero, who risked his life to save others and protect his city. He was also a skilled and avid golfer, who enjoyed playing at the Van Schaick Island Country Club and other courses in the area. He was a loyal friend to many, and a caring father to his daughter, Alyssa, and his stepsons, Jake and Josh.
How Did Cohoes Couple Die?
The cause of death for Al Reyes and Chelly Rotko is still under investigation, but according to their family and friends, they both suffered from a sudden and severe illness that took their lives within hours of each other. They were both admitted to the Albany Medical Center on December 17, 2023, after experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, and difficulty breathing. They were diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of pneumonia, which quickly progressed to organ failure and septic shock. They passed away peacefully in their hospital beds, surrounded by their loved ones.
The source of their infection is unknown, but some speculate that they may have contracted it from a recent trip they took to Mexico, where they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. They returned from their vacation on December 14, 2023, and seemed healthy and happy, until they fell ill three days later.
How Are They Being Remembered?
The news of Chelly and Al Reyes’s death has devastated the Cohoes community, where they were cherished and admired by many. Their family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and students have expressed their shock and sadness and shared their memories and tributes on social media and other platforms.
A joint funeral service for Chelly Rotko and Al was held on December 21, 2023, at the St. Bernard’s Church in Cohoes, followed by a burial at the St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Hundreds of people attended the service, wearing masks and following social distancing guidelines, to pay their respects and honor the couple’s legacy. The Cohoes Fire Department also performed a special ceremony, with a fire truck carrying their caskets and a ladder truck displaying a large American flag.
A candlelight vigil was also organized on December 22, 2023, at Cohoes Falls Park, where Chelly and Al used to walk and enjoy the scenic views. The participants lit candles, sang songs, and shared stories and prayers, celebrating the couple’s life and love.
Chelly Rotko and Al Reyes were a remarkable couple, who touched the lives of many people in Cohoes and beyond. They were kind, generous, talented, and loving, and they will be dearly missed by all who knew them. They were a perfect match, who shared a deep and lasting bond, and who left this world together, as they lived. They are now at peace, and they will always be in our hearts. Rest in peace, Chelly and Al. We love you.
