Ruben Burgos Escalera, known lovingly as Ruben, passed away on May 22, 2026, in Gainesville, Florida, at the age of 58.

He was born on July 19, 1967, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, and carried the spirit of his island roots with him throughout his life. Ruben was a strong and resilient man who faced many physical struggles with courage and determination. Through every challenge, he remained a source of strength to those around him, meeting life with perseverance, grace, and an enduring will to keep going.

Ruben will be remembered as a happy and loving man whose presence brought warmth to his family and friends. He had a generous heart and was always there for the people he loved. His support was steady and sincere, and his family knew they could count on him through both difficult times and joyful moments. He took great pride in being present for his loved ones and in offering encouragement, comfort, and care whenever it was needed.

One of Ruben’s greatest joys was cooking for his family. He found happiness in preparing meals and bringing everyone together around the table. His cooking was an expression of love, and the time shared with him in the kitchen and at family gatherings created memories that will be cherished for years to come. He also enjoyed watching football, especially cheering for the Eagles, and he liked to dance salsa, bringing energy and joy wherever the music led.

Ruben is survived by his fiancée, Wanda Nieves; his daughter, Syrnia Burgos, and her husband, Jose; his son, Ruben Burgos Jr.; and his grandchildren, Jheriel, Jaziiel, and Jheziel. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Veronica and Christopher and his wife, Cindy; his step-grandchildren, Brandy, Sebastian, Gabriela, Christian, and Thiago; and his siblings, Samuel, Angelo, Yolanda, Dilca, Roberto, and David.

He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will carry his memory in their hearts always. Ruben’s life was marked by devotion, strength, and love, and the impact he made on those closest to him will not be forgotten. His family and all who knew him will remember his kindness, his steadfast support, his love of music and dancing, and the many ways he showed his affection through everyday acts of care.

Though his passing brings sorrow, Ruben’s memory will continue to live on through the lives he touched and the family he helped shape. He will be remembered with love, respect, and gratitude for the man he was and the legacy of strength and devotion he leaves behind.

Ruben Burgos Escalera, conocido cariñosamente como Ruben, falleció el 22 de mayo de 2026 en Gainesville, Florida, a la edad de 58 años.

Nació el 19 de julio de 1967 en Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, y llevó consigo el espíritu de sus raíces isleñas a lo largo de toda su vida. Ruben era un hombre fuerte y resiliente que enfrentó muchas dificultades físicas con valentía y determinación. Ante cada desafío, permaneció como una fuente de fortaleza para quienes lo rodeaban, enfrentando la vida con perseverancia, gracia y una voluntad duradera de seguir adelante.

Ruben será recordado como un hombre feliz y amoroso cuya presencia brindaba calidez a su familia y amigos. Tenía un corazón generoso y siempre estaba ahí para las personas que amaba. Su apoyo era constante y sincero, y su familia sabía que podía contar con él tanto en los momentos difíciles como en los momentos felices. Tomaba gran orgullo en estar presente para sus seres queridos y en ofrecer ánimo, consuelo y cuidado siempre que se necesitaba.

Una de las mayores alegrías de Ruben era cocinar para su familia. Encontraba la felicidad al preparar comidas y reunir a todos alrededor de la mesa. Su cocina era una expresión de amor, y el tiempo compartido con él en la cocina y en las reuniones familiares creó recuerdos que serán apreciados durante años. También disfrutaba ver fútbol, especialmente animar a los Eagles, y le gustaba bailar salsa, llevando energía y alegría a dondequiera que la música lo guiara. Ruben le sobrevive su prometida, Wanda Nieves; su hija, Syrnia Burgos, y su esposo, Jose; su hijo, Ruben Burgos Jr.; y sus nietos, Jheriel, Jaziiel y Jheziel. También le sobreviven sus hijastros, Veronica y Christopher y su esposa, Cindy; sus nietastros, Brandy, Sebastian, Gabriela, Christian y Thiago; y sus hermanos, Samuel, Angelo, Yolanda, Dilca, Roberto y David. Deja atrás una familia que lo amaba profundamente y que llevará su recuerdo en sus corazones siempre. La vida de Ruben estuvo marcada por la devoción, la fortaleza y el amor, y el impacto que hizo.