Ruben Eugene Macabitas

September 28, 1948 – September 14, 2025

Ruben Eugene Macabitas, a humble and kind man of God whose life was a testament to his faith, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025, just two weeks shy of his 77th birthday.

Born in Pasadena, California, Ruben was the son of the late Eugene and Lucille Macabitas. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Rhoda; his sons, Christopher (and wife Tina) Macabitas and Matthew (and wife Catherine) Macabitas; his beloved granddaughters, Malia and Makana; his sisters, Evelyn Macabitas, Marlyn Nicolas, and Susan Lee; and his much-loved adopted daughter, Tres Sengebau.

A Life of Faith and Service

Ruben was a steadfast man of God who lived his life with the verse Philippians 1:21 at its core: “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” His quiet and gentle spirit drew people to him from all walks of life. Though he was a man of few words, his character and love for the Lord shined through, touching countless people around the world. He was a beacon of generosity, always giving to God and those in need. He was a natural teacher and a trusted leader, serving as a full-time pastor at Calvary Assembly in Escondido and New Life Assembly of God in Pasadena, as well as a youth minister for the Filipino Assemblies of the First Born. His home was a sanctuary, always open to youth groups, families, and those in need, as he loved to pray with anyone who entered.

A Magnetic Spirit

A true "pied piper," Ruben had a magnetic quality that transcended words. A missionary lady would even seek his permission to share his messages on her broadcasts, which were heard by people worldwide. He was a great storyteller through his life’s actions, and everyone who met him felt his kindness and came to love him.

A Passion for Life

Ruben was a talented athlete, with a lifelong love for sports. He was invited to a Dodgers' spring training camp while in junior college but chose to pursue his studies in engineering instead. He enjoyed playing baseball, volleyball, football, and was skilled at pool, tennis, golf, fishing, and pickleball. He especially loved watching his favorite teams, the Dodgers and the Rams, play. From the age of seven, he played the saxophone and was a member of the North Coast Community Band, traveling the world to share his gift of music. In retirement, he cherished traveling with Rhoda, their pickleball paddles in hand, stopping at every venue they could find.

A Legacy of Love

Ruben's professional life was a testament to his intellect and dedication. He was a mechanical engineer for the Navy for 34 years and a civil engineer for the City of Encinitas. He also loved learning, earning degrees from Pasadena City College, San Diego State, USC, and Vanguard University.

Above all, Ruben was a devoted family man. He adored his wife, Rhoda, and their love story, which began through letters and blossomed into a 53-year marriage. He was a proud and supportive father to his sons, always cheering them on in academics and sports. He was a loving "Papa," who made his granddaughters feel special and always prayed for them. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering faith that will be cherished by all who knew him.

He spent his last six years living at the Vista Del Mar retirement community, where he could be found playing pickleball, sitting outside, and sharing a wave or a kind word with everyone who passed by.

Ruben Eugene Macabitas was a life well-lived, a song well-played, and a testament to the power of a gentle soul. His life's work was sharing his love for the Lord, and he did so with every word and action. He will be profoundly missed but will live on in the hearts of his family and the countless people whose lives he touched.

Services are as follows,

Thursday October 2nd, 2025, Celebration of Life from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm at North Coast Church- Vista Campus. Located at 2405 N Santa Fe Ave Vista, CA 92084. Please wear Aloha or Dodger Attire

Followed by a Public Viewing from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Eternal Hills Memorial Park. 1999 El Camino Real. Oceanside CA, 92054.

A Funeral Service will take place the following day, October 3rd 2025 at 9:30 AM.