Ruben Baltazar Garcia

ruben garcia

October 7, 1964 ~ June 29, 2024

Born in: Manilla, Philippines
Resided in: Vienna, Virginia

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Ruben Baltazar Garcia, of Vienna Virginia, known affectionately as Rubus to some and Benjie to others, passed away suddenly on June 29, 2024, at the age of 59 while visiting Rochester, New York.

Born in Manila, Philippines, he moved to the United States when he was very young and grew up in Rochester, New York. Ruben received a full ROTC scholarship to the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and began his undergraduate work and Army ROTC commitment during which time he completed Airborne training. Four years later he was branch-commissioned as a second Lieutenant in the US Army Signal Corps, concurrent with his graduation from RIT where he earned a BS in Business Management. Ruben valued his service highly, and both his active duty and reserve service were spent as a member of the US Army’s Special Operations Command, graduating during his service from the US Army Ranger and Air Assault Schools. As a junior officer, promoted through the ranks, he served with the 401st Civil Affairs Battalion “Airborne”, US Army Rangers and was deployed to combat operations in Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, while supporting a peacekeeping mission (IFOR) in Bosnia. Ruben completed his active duty holding the rank of Captain, advancing to the rank of Colonel in the Reserves; his decorations include campaign service metals, a presidential unit citation, the Bronze Star with Valor, and earning the coveted US Army Ranger TAB. Many years later in Northern Virginia he earned his MBA in Cybersecurity from Northcentral University; and his career outside of the military spanned over 30 years supporting federal government classified operations ranging from IT system integrations to facility construction both domestically and internationally.

Ruben was deeply committed to his family and loved his wife Jan and his son AJ profoundly. Ruben’s love extended to his dog Maddie, and he could often be found walking her throughout the neighborhood. Known for his passion, not only in increasing his knowledge base but passing his knowledge onto others, he joined the local Cub Scouts Pack 1139 in Vienna with his son and then moved to Troop 987 as an Assistant Scoutmaster as AJ grew. He was active in his community, assisting many scouts achieve Eagle rank (like he did in his youth) as a merit badge counselor and trusted mentor, discovered hockey at a young age in Rochester and was the all-time leader in games played at Fairfax Ice Arena with over 1400 games to his credit, learned to play Saxophone during his school years and thoroughly enjoyed being a member of the Vienna Volunteer Community Band, and was a dedicated martial artist whose love for Tang Soo Do inspired many students over the years. Wherever he went, Ruben was always ready with a smile, a laugh, and a movie quote.

He had many hobbies and cultivated them from a young age while growing up in Rochester. Among them were his passion for history, being a devoted follower of the Miami Dolphins, indulging his love of cars, maintaining his fish tank and koi pond, as well as working to beautify his garden for all to enjoy. He was also a member of the NRA and proud of his skills in marksmanship, and as a movie enthusiast his impersonations were extraordinary and brought joy and laughter to many.

Ruben is predeceased in death by his father, Ruben Garcia, Esq. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Jan, his son Alejandro Johnathan (AJ), his mother Enya and sister Enya (Dolly) both of Raleigh, North Carolina and sister Liza of Austin, Texas, in addition to an extended group of family and friends. His motto was to always strive for excellence. His family and friends have lost a wonderful light which will never be forgotten but should always be cherished.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Ruben’s name may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, https://t2t.org/

Broadcast Date:

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Services

Visitation: July 26, 2024 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Money and King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA 22180
703-938-7440

Add to My Calendar America/New_York 2024-07-26 17:00:00 2024-07-26 08:00:00 RubenBaltazarGarciaVisitation Visitation 171 W. Maple Ave. ,Vienna, VA 22180

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Funeral Service: July 27, 2024 10:30 am

Money and King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA 22180
703-938-7440

Add to My Calendar America/New_York 2024-07-27 10:30:00 2024-07-27 10:30:00 RubenBaltazarGarciaFuneral Service Funeral Service 171 W. Maple Ave. ,Vienna, VA 22180

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Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery at a later date
1 Memorial Drive
Arlington , VA 22211
703-938-7440

Add to My Calendar America/New_York 1970-01-01 00:00:00 1970-01-01 00:00:00 RubenBaltazarGarciaCemetery Cemetery 1 Memorial Drive,Arlington , VA 22211

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Guestbook

  1. Jan and AJ – Sending love and comfort to you and your whole family for this heartbreaking loss. Ruben was an incredibly special person whose kindness touched everyone he met. The world is – and so many of us are – better because of him. Please know that you are loved and will be supported by your village all along the road ahead.

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  2. Jan and AJ, we are so sorry for Ruben’s passing. In the spirit of “Rangers Lead the Way,” he always sought opportunities to help others. We will always remember Ruben’s love for his family and his country, and his determination to make the world a better place.

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  3. At the rising sun and at its going down; We remember them.
    At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter; We remember them.
    At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring; We remember them.
    At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer; We remember them.
    At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of the autumn; We remember them.
    At the beginning of the year and when it ends; We remember them.
    As long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as We remember them.

    When we are weary and in need of strength; We remember them.
    When we are lost and sick at heart; We remember them.
    When we have decisions that are difficult to make; We remember them.
    When we have joy we crave to share; We remember them.
    When we have achievements that are based on theirs; We remember them.
    For as long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as, We remember.

    Reply

  4. Jan and AJ,
    Words cannot express our heartbreak for your loss. We will miss seeing our wonderful neighbor out tending to the lawn and the cars. Our potlucks won’t be the same without Ruben’s famous fried rice and his company will be sorely missed. Our hearts go out to you with deepest condolances

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  5. Jan, AJ, Enya, Dolly and Liza, I am so sorry for your loss because, it is my loss as well. Ruben “Benji” was my best friend and my brother. The world is a lesser place without him here with us all. My heart is broken. My deepest and sincerest condolences to you all. I have been best of friends with him since August of 1986 and accepted into his family (Mom, Dad, Dolly and Liza) since shortly after that time. I remain so. Oh GOD, I am so going to miss all the fun, laughs, good times we share over the past almost four decades. Benji, may Jesus wrap his loving arms around you and your dad in heaven my brother, fill you with his eternal grace. Until we meet again one day upon high my brother and best friend. Love you bro, your best friend forever, Tim

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  6. Rubie, we miss you! Loved by many, friend to all. Always positive, never said a bad thing about anyone. An amazing teammate. The hockey community is stunned by this loss but grateful to have known Ruben.

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  7. Wonderful and accurate memorial of Rubin’s full, but too short, life. As 1SG and later CSM of the 401st Civil Affairs, I could always depend on Rubin to lead his Soldiers, accomplish their mission and have skills, resources and positive attitude to aid and inspire others.

    Enjoyed a number of “Rubin’s Birthday” dinners with fellow alumni of the 401st when he had the opportunity to be in Rochester.

    He was so full of life and looking forward to another move further south at the Alumni Reunion on the date that he passed. The news came as a complete shock.

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  8. Dear Jan and AJ, our deepest condolences. He was welcoming to the Soon family when we transferred from England to Virginia. We had good times beating each other up in Tang Soo Do Classes at Morning Star. Years flew and before we knew it, I became the owner Morning Star and Ruben was asking me if we had a kid’s program. Well, we didn’t, but Ruben and Jan helped us start a program so that AJ could learn martial arts. It was very successful and is still kicking. We will always be grateful. We send our love. Deb Zamora-Soon and the Morning Star Tang Soo Do school salute you, Ruben. Tang Soo!

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  9. Dear Jan and Ajay, we are deeply saddened by your loss. Ruben was a wonderful neighbor and person, and we will miss him very much. We have many fond memories of Ruben. He seemed to appreciate every kindness and truly had the power of gab. And it was clear that he truly enjoyed helping others. I recall one time when some kids dumped black latex paint on my car overnight. Ruben was only seconds behind me with a sponge and bucket of soap to help clean off the mess. We will also miss the occasional treat of hearing Ruben’s saxophone. And his eggrolls were legendary. We hope that the happy memories of your time together provide some comfort at this time of loss. With love and sympathy, Lois and Jim

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    • Beautifully stated Jon, he really liked and enjoyed conversing with you and meeting you sometime back.

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  11. I am part of the Booz Allen family, and worked with Ruben. He is gone way, way too soon. He brought a sense of humor, a huge smile, and considerable talent to our firm. May he rest in peace. And, to Jan, AJ, and family, he will be watching over you every day. He has a job to do in Heaven.

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  12. We were so grateful to know Ruben. We have fond memories from our Tang Soo Do studio. He encouraged us to be our best selves and we remember him with great fondness. Sending love to Jan and AJ.
    Helen and Jeff

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  13. Dear Jan and AJ, We are all so saddened to learn of Ruben’s sudden passing. We are thinking of you both and extend our deepest condolences to you and the entire Garcia family. May the memories of his big personality and joyful life bring you comfort.
    -Silvia and Gonzo

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  14. Ruben, you were an inspiration to the scouts you led and the leaders lucky enough to call you a friend. Thank you for your service, but more importantly the years of laughter and friendship we had.

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  15. Although Ruben and I never met in person, he became a good friend and correspondent. We and our little group emailed several times a day, discussing various topics and issues. I know that Ruben treasured his family with all of his great big heart. We have lost him much too soon and I miss his notes, memes, jokes and stories. May God Bless Ruben and his family and may he Rest in Peace.

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  16. Ruben and I were very good friends at work, and after we no longer worked together, we kept in touch. I always looked forward to his sense of humor. Talking to him was always a bright spot in my day. Just a great friend, and I miss him.

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  17. Ruben and I were good coworkers. Side by side everyday in our spaceship of a front desk. We shared so many stories and were able to make some together. He was so good at his job that he could do it in his sleep. He knows what I mean. I was sorry to hear that you have left us but you have made your mark and I said well done Sir. You will be missed for your energy, knowledge, spirit, and the list goes on and on. Rest in peace my friend.

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  18. Loved all of our walks and story telling, Ruben was always quick with a joke or an impersonation and willing to share his deep repertoire of wonderful tidbits of knowledge! Miss him dearly and wishing the warmth of his memories and eternal presence to Jan and AJ.

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  19. Our family has lived many places, and some of our favorite memories of living in Virginia were being neighbors to the Garcia’s. From Scouts to Sharknado, and all the good times in between Ruben made an impact and touched so many lives. I’m thankful we knew this beautiful family and our thoughts and prayers are with your family

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  20. Goodbye my beautiful friend. We had so many belly-ache laughs together. I will never meet another person like you in this world. You are irreplaceable. Safe journey.

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  21. I would just like to thank the kind Priest, thank you Father for being so kind and reading my memories and eulogy of Ruben B. Garcia Jr this morning. I deeply appreciate your doing so and thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am an old Soldier and combat Veteran who had the best friend, brother and Officer to have served with. Thank you. I am so grateful for the kind and wonderful words of young Mr. Cade, the hockey friend of Ruben’s. For Jan’s loving memories she shared. For the young man nephew who spoke so well of his Uncle Ruben. Most of all though, for the simply beautiful tribute that Dolly gave with memories of their youth, growing up in Rochester and all the loving words and memories she shared with us all. Ruben’s family, Mom, Dad and sisters are all the sweetest, kindest and most caring I have had this privilege of knowing and being a part of their family. Thank you. To my brother and best friend Ruben, until we meet again Colonel in time, Hooah, Rangers lead the way! SFC Timothy M. Robbins. (US Army MP Corps and SOF USACAPOC)

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  22. While I knew Ruben only remotely, my near daily contacts with him showed him to be a person of great character who loved his family, our nation, and the opportunity serve. Always one to provide thoughtful input often with some amount of amazing wit to any conversation, he will be greatly missed. His contributions are many and I dare say that the world is better because he dwelt upon it.

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  23. My deepest sympathy goes out to Ruben’s entire family and friends. We were brothers at arms and I will always remember ‘LT Garcia’ as a fine officer, leading by example and performing with honor and integrity. Those traits were always tempered with wit and humor…I found it impossible not to love his personality. Above all he put others first, treating everyone with respect. He will be dearly missed. I am proud and honored to have served with Ruben and thankful for his service to our country. May God bless and comfort you all.

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  24. A dear friend and coworker, your humor always brightened my day. The doors on your work, car collection did not open which led to much teasing. You were someone with much expertise, always reliable. I am shocked by your passing and miss you greatly. I pray you are with the Lord, and one day we might all see you again. Until then, your inextinguishable light comforts us.

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