Ruben was born on March 30, 1923 in Tucson, AZ. The oldest of six, they moved to Phoenix as a young boy. He found himself working jobs in Phoenix, making money to help support the family as they moved from place to place eventually settling in Central Phoenix. As a young man he enlisted in the Navy and served his country during WWII. After the war, he returned home and married our mother, Evangelina Sesma. They began their family and our Dad began his life as an entrepreneur, military man—serving in three branches (Navy, Army and Air Force) and father. His businesses included a soda shop, two restaurants, and owner of the Estrella Tortilla Factory in South Phoenix for 30 years. At the same time, he worked for the City of Phoenix- Engineering Department. He loved traveling and playing golf. His friends are many and his love for life was endless. He touched everyone he met and always made people smile or laugh in his silly way. His love for sports included his Diamond Backs and AZ Cardinals, and always high-fived everyone around him at a score. For our father this is not the end, it is the beginning of renewed love in our hearts. He leaves behind three children, Ruben Jr. (children Frankie and Alexis), Norma (children Jason, great-grandchildren Alec and Alivia; Jacob, wife Andrea; and Ralph) and Richard with wife Carol (children Angelica and Andreas.) Thank you to all of you, his close buddies who have been a part of his journey.
Services will be on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at St. Mary’s Basilica (231 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix). Visitation: 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM; Mass, 10:00 AM; and burial to follow at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona (23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix). Vaya con Dios.
Gallery
Brian Murphy
Richard
My thought and prayers are with you and your family. Take care
Brian
Victor, Jan, and Family
Richard,
May the memories of your father carry you through the hard days ahead. Take comfort in knowing that another Angel is watching over you. Our Deepest Condolences.
Love You,
Victor, Jan, Erika, Alex, Jacob
1SG (Ret) Michael Gallegos
Ruben, Norma, and Richard. You are in My thoughts and Prayers. Your Dad and Mom were good People. They’re now Reunited. My Apologies that I couldn’t attend His Services. Have been Ill, and the VA is trying to figure out if it’s Agent Orange, Gulf War Syndrome, or both. Am confined right now at Home………..
Michael Gallegos
First Sergeant, USA
Retired
Olga Aros
Ruben, Alexis, Frankie and family. It is hard to express to you thoughts about the loss of a parent, just know that it is our parents who always validated our birth and upbringing. They were the keepers and now they move on to their spiritual life, leaving us their mark and memories. May you find consolation. My condolences for your loss.
Richard Terrell
I was close friends with his grandson Jason when we were younger. Jason used to get odd jobs helping out at Estrella Tortilla Factory and I used to come down and help sometimes. I remember his grandpa was one of the coolest guys and really loved his grandkids. He was just a good guy who was nice. I have fun memories from then and how that family was so nice. My condolences for your loss.