Ruben Torres

Ruben Torres, 66, of Queens, NY, passed away on Monday, December 14th. Ruben was a respected and honored detective with the NYPD for over 20 years. A fearless and selfless officer, Det. Torres was among the many brave first responders during the horrific national tragedy on September 11th,2001. For months after, he risked his own safety to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center wreckage site. As a consequence of his efforts and sacrifices, Det. Torres later learned that he became ill from inhaling dust and contaminants in the air over the site. Ruben retired in 2003 and several years later learned that he had contracted cancer and other illnesses. He fought cancer boldly for over 11 years before succumbing to his sicknesses.

Boldness and determination were major characteristics of Ruben’s personality and approach to his service. He was proud of being a police officer and in being a true and trusted public servant. His friends, whether fellow NYPD officers or residents from the local community in New York, were legion. He was widely loved and valued for his honesty, generosity and willingness to help many people in need.

It was Ruben’s wish to spend his last days with his beloved sister and brother-in-law Jeanette and Mike Higgins, of Coral Springs, FL. Upon his arrival, Ruben was overjoyed and humbled to be received and welcomed by an honor guard from the Coral Springs Police and Fire Departments, and dozens of members of the NYPD community who now reside in Florida. This wonderful group returned again on December 13th to pay him final respects and share love and respect for Ruben. Even as he was breathing his last breaths, Ruben found the strength to raise his arm and acknowledge this final loving act from his friends.

Ruben was a dedicated, faithful Christian man who set a good example of living his faith by giving the best of himself to help others. His example will live on lovingly in those who loved him. Ruben is survived by his sister Jeanette and her husband Mike Higgins of Coral Springs, brother Martin (Lourdes) Torres of Bayamon, P.R., sister Evelyn (David) Kraft of Fredericksburg, VA, sister Marilyn Torres of San Diego, CA, brother Peter Torres of Springfield, MA, and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 20, 2020 at Kraeer Funeral Home in Coral Springs, from 12pm-3pm with a service at 3pm. A Facebook live will be available 10 mins before the service on the official Facebook page @KraeerCoralSprings.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Helping Our Post 911 Survivors, www.hopsinc.org are greatly appreciated.