Ruben Aguilera Sr.

Ruben Aguilera Sr. was a beloved son, father, grandfather, uncle, and cousin. He was born on Aug.4 1948 in Alice, TX. He was a hardworking, proud man whose primary focus in life was his children and grandchildren. He grew up in the Dallas area with his brothers, Diego and Robert, and his sisters Maria (Kena), Raquel (Rachael), and Rebecca (Becky). He had a strong personality, and could be rambunctious and rebellious, but he loved and adored his family, especially his mother.

He joined the military and served in the marines from 1966-1969, where he received several accommodations. He was sent to Vietnam in 1967 where he proudly defended our country. He actually enjoyed seeing the countries he traveled to in the South Pacific. He would reminisce about the beautiful jungles there. He received a purple heart while in combat. He was proud of his time in the "Core” and his service to our country.

Upon his return from Vietnam, he met and married Yolanda Rubio. They settled in Ontario, CA and had three children, Anne-Marie, Katherine, and Robert. Ruben began working at General Electric and enrolled at Chaffey College. He worked hard, but enjoyed spending time with his family, and going on outings with friends. They would also take trips to Texas to visit relatives. Sadly, after many years their marriage came to an end in 1978.

He entered into a new chapter in his life when he met Susanna “Susie" De Leon. They got married in 1981, and settled in Chino, CA. They welcomed two children, Ruben and Victoria. He also embarked on a new endeavor, working at Hunter Douglas. They too enjoyed spending time with their family and friends, and attending their children’s sporting events. Coach Ruben was always on the sidelines for football, or in the dugout at soccer, baseball and softball games. Sadly, their marriage also came to an end in 1988.

Ruben remained in Chino for the next chapter of his life. He also made one final career change, at Pabco Paper, where he worked until his retirement in 2010. He had a strong work ethic, and enjoyed giving all that he did for his children. He was strong willed, brutally honest, and had a hard time showing emotion, yet he had a close relationship with his kids. He was so proud of them and loved to brag about their accomplishments. He was a devoted grandfather and adored his thirteen grandchildren, Gus, Robert, Christopher, Nathaniel, Damien, Giovanni, William, Xolani, Nicholas, Natalie, Ruben, Levi, and Remy.

He was taken from us far too soon. What makes it more difficult, is knowing that his younger grandkids will never get to see the latest movie in theaters on Saturday mornings, take a trip to Target or Walmart, celebrate Christmas mornings, or have cousin sleepovers at Grandpa’s house.

Thank you for your military service, Ruben, and thank you for helping guide your children to be the strong, hardworking, responsible, and family-oriented men and women they have become. We give you one final salute...Oorah!