Ruben Ledesma Jr.

Ruben Ledesma, Jr., age 74, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, passed away September 5, 2024, while comforted by his loving family. Mr. Ledesma, President and Chairman of the Board of The Hand Foundation, Inc., of West Palm Beach, Florida, had only recently closed his business and tax consulting practice after 50 years of serving Palm Beach County and Glades area clients.

Ruben was born September 23, 1949 in Havana, Cuba, to his parents, Ruben B. Ledesma and Edelmira A. Ledesma. His family left Cuba in 1962 following the communist revolution there and the Ledesmas began a new life in Belle Glade, Florida, when young Ruben was 12 years old. Ruben became hugely popular in his new country. At Belle Glade High School he proudly wore #77 for the Golden Rams football team and he was selected by his classmates as “Best All Around” for the Class of ’69. Ruben earned an accounting degree from the University of South Florida and opened his consulting practice in Belle Glade in 1974, which he later moved to West Palm Beach.

In 1987, Ruben married the love of his life, Janet Lee Davis, and in 1990 they were blessed with their only child, Wesley. Janet and Wesley would catch the “Porsche fever” from Ruben and the three of them would travel the country as devoted members of the Porsche Club of America. Ruben was regarded as one of the nation’s most knowledgeable experts on all things Porsche, as evidenced by the countless Porsche Tech Quiz awards he won at Porsche events. During his 45 years as a member of PCA, Ruben served the club in many capacities. His first national position was as the Zone 12 Representative, which was followed by serving as Historian, Treasurer and Vice President and on the Executive Council of this national organization. In addition, Ruben oversaw the development of several successful PCA programs, including the Club’s role in Rennsport Reunions II, III and IV, its 50th anniversary celebration in 2005, and the racing hub Porscheplatz, which he founded and coordinated from 2004 through 2007. Ruben was instrumental in bringing the annual Porsche National Convention (the “Porsche Parade”) to his home state of Florida in 2003. His dedicated service to the PCA was an important part of Ruben’s life and he loved sharing it with his wife and son.

As one might imagine, this affinity for Porsche accompanied a passion for auto racing in all its forms, especially Formula 1. He attended both the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Daytona for 50 consecutive years! Ruben was often sought out by friends and family to help with their own vehicle purchases. He gladly shared his automotive expertise and it is estimated that he voluntarily assisted folks in several hundred vehicle purchases over his lifetime, leaving many of his friends now wondering how they will ever buy a car without Ruben's help.

In his business, Ruben was generous with his time and counsel to his many clients over the years, always willing to go above and beyond for those he represented. Ruben Ledesma was known for his extraordinary integrity and ethical standards. His impeccable character and steadfast discretion were hallmarks of his business and personal relationships. Ruben was both a “man’s man” and the consummate gentleman. Ruben used all of these traits in setting up the operational components of The Hand Foundation. In implementing the bequest of Homer and Dolly Hand, Ruben ensured that their legacy of generosity and philanthropy would continue in perpetuity and would follow the Hands’ exceptional character. This now becomes part of Ruben’s legacy, as well. He has provided the ingredients and the moral compass to guide this Foundation into the future.

Ruben is survived by his wife Janet, and his son, Wesley, of whom he was immensely proud, and his brand new daughter-in-law, Natalie Harville Ledesma. Wesley and Natalie were married this past June. He also leaves behind a legion of friends that loved and admired him. Ruben was a most generous husband and father, who adored his family . . . as they adored him and have been blessed by his constant love, support and wisdom.

There will be a funeral mass service at 10:45 am on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Saint Rita Catholic Church, 13645 Paddock Drive, Wellington, Florida. This will be followed by the entombment service at 12:30 pm at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery, 10941 Southern Boulevard, Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Quattlebaum Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Ruben’s ever-present smile and his sincere consideration of others will be long remembered.