Freddy Reyes Pérez, Founder of Asociación La Nacional, Dies

Freddy Reyes Pérez, the founder and president of the Council of Consultants and Advisers of Asociación La Nacional, died on Aug. 30, the financial institution said.

Reyes Pérez founded the mutual savings association on July 14, 1972. Its Centro Financiero Familiar aimed to help reduce the Dominican Republic’s housing deficit. The institution said its work later supported hundreds of thousands of families as they pursued home ownership and strengthened their savings.

“During more than five decades, his example of creativity, dedication, commitment and service shaped La Nacional’s history and inspired generations of employees,” the association said. It added that his vision helped make the institution a path for thousands of families seeking a home of their own.

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During more than five decades, his example of creativity, dedication, commitment and service shaped La Nacional’s history and inspired generations of employees.

Born in San Pedro de Macorís on June 14, 1936, Reyes Pérez earned a law degree from the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo in 1959. He later entered the diplomatic service, working in South America and Japan. While in Japan, he received a decoration from the emperor and represented the Dominican Republic as an attaché at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

After founding La Nacional, he led its board until April 2021, when an assembly appointed him president of its Council of Consultants and Advisers. He also headed the Dominican League of Savings and Loan Associations and held leadership roles in the Inter-American housing sector.

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A large part of his life