Ruben Fernandez's Obituary
Ruben passed peacefully on November 17, 2022, under the care of Melech Hospice House. He was surrounded by his loving wife Cheryl, family and friends. Ruben was preceded in death by his father, Victor. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Cheryl, Mother Norma, sister Yvonne, brother Derek and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Godfather to Brigid. Ruben was born November 11, 1954, at Fort Jackson, South Carolina to Victor and Norma Fernandez. In 1955 the family moved back to West Tampa. Ruben attended St. Joseph's Elementary School and graduated from Tampa Catholic in 1972. He retired in September 2022 from Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Let’s Rock It was known at an early age that Ruben was going to be a musician. His parents bought him his first toy guitar at age 3. Then Grandpa bought him his first Electric Guitar (from Eckerd’s) at age 10. Once he discovered the Joy of Music it became his Passion. He played with many local bands and formed a few bands of his own. His latest bands, The Ruben Rey Band and Ruben and Rhonda Duo played around the Tampa Bay Area. Ruben also played back up for – Dennis Yost, Gary Lewis and Sam and Dave when they came to the Bay Area. At the time of his passing, Ruben was collaborating with Dale Gabbard on a project called Rubendale, a collection of original music and songs. Ruben enjoyed a good joke and loved to laugh. He liked to fish, the beach and in his younger days he was known to Hurricane surf. On February 18, 1978, Ruben married the love of his life, Cheryl. They enjoyed their life together sharing their love of music, family and many friends. If you close your eyes and let the music play Keep our love alive, I’ll never fade away In lieu of flowers please donate to – Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or Lifepath Hospice
What’s your fondest memory of Ruben?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ruben?
Share a story where Ruben's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ruben you’ll never forget.
How did Ruben make you smile?