Ruben Lee Moreno

Ruben Lee Moreno was born August 9, 1983 in Brawley, California. He was raised in Calexico, California where he played tee ball and developed a love for the sport that came so naturally to him. At the age of 5 he moved to Pomona, California where he attended Lexington Elementary School. Ruben played baseball and at a very young age demonstrated leadership qualities. Ruben loved competition and wouldnt settle for not giving his all, no matter what the odds.

While living in Pomona, Ruben was enjoying a new pair of roller skates and while skating by a large pond, as his mother watched from a distance, he threw off his skates and lunged into the water to save a 3-year-old girl who was drowning. Even at a young age, Ruben was courageous and brave. He even learned to drive at the age of 10 years old.

Ruben loved sports and disliked losing! Ruben played all levels of little league, Pony and Colt leagues with distinction. He then moved and attended Upland Junior High and High School. In high school he was asked to join the football team when the Coach witnessed Ruben fighting with two other kids much bigger than himself and he was able to hold his own. Because of Rubens skill, courage and determination, he was placed on the Varsity Football team as a freshman. Ruben skated through high school with good grades although he never did his homework.

He enlisted into the United States Army at the young age of 17. He was beyond proud to be a part of the 82nd Airborne and a blue devil out of Ft. Bragg, North Carolina where he was first stationed. He had two deployments with this unit, one to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. He had many accolades during his time in the service to include, three Army Commendation Medals.

During his break in service, he pursued and achieved an Associate's degree in Social and Behavioral Science at Mt. San Antonio College in California. In college is where he met and married his wife Deana in November of 2010. They had one daughter together, Ariana and he became a step father to three boys, Israel, Isaiah, and Lorenzo, which he loved as his own.

After this time, he re-enlisted in the Army where the family was moved overseas to Italy. He had the pleasure of experiencing and traveling all over Europe as well as furthering his military career. He took on the position of Company First Sergeant and later achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7).

During the familys time in California, Ruben was introduced to martial arts by a neighbor, which now is a great friend and Sensei, where he fell in love with Judo. Over the years, he would compete in many Judo tournaments and eventually earn the rank of Shodan (black belt). His passion for martial arts was like no other, every chance he got, he would donate his time and pass on his teachings wherever he could. He also trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA.

Ruben was given praise for saving the life of a young woman who was hit by an intoxicated driver. He was working at the 450th CA Bn in College Park, Maryland when he heard the crash and sprang into action. When he arrived at her vehicle, she was in her car dangling from an overpass. He and a fellow soldier climbed down rescuing the young woman before her car had fallen to the concrete below. For his valorous actions, he was awarded an ARCOM and was extended a special meeting with the Sergeant Major of the Army Reserve and the Commandant of the Army at the Pentagon in Washington, DC.

After returning from overseas, he made San Antonio, Texas his home and opened his first business, RDA Fitness & MMA. His long-time goal was to give back to the community, and give our youth a place to gain confidence, respect, discipline and prepare them for the world. This was his ultimate passion, even with the turmoil of his declining health, he never seized to train, compete, and teach his students. He continued showing his strength, fighting through his battle with cancer all the way to the end. He endured unimaginable pain as not to disappoint the students that he loved as his own.

He is survived by his wife, Deana; four children, Ariana, Lorenzo, Isaiah, and Israel; his parents, Darrin and Elizabeth Wright; his brother, Kristopher; his sister, Nicole; and his grandmother, Mariana Villanueva.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Thursday, July 28, 2022, at Porter Loring West. To view a live stream of the services, please click here. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tap Cancer Out.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022

2:45 PM

FT. SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

Arrangements with

PORTER LORING MORTUARY WEST

1710 WEST LOOP 1604 NORTH

SAN ANTONIO, TX 78251 - (210) 891-0000