Ruben Hernandez Obituary

Cyclist Ruben Hernandez, 37, who died after colliding with a pickup in Santa Rosa Tuesday, July 31, 2012, had taught physical education to minority students at Modesto elementary charter schools.

Published by Press Democrat on Aug. 3, 2012.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruben Hernandez

Not sure what to say?





Ruben was a very special man who did much for me when I was in high school. He was a wonderful coach and friend. My heartfelt condolences to his family and my thanks to him for his kindness, generosity and friendship.

Aaron Moore

November 2, 2013

I really missed Mr. Hernandez. He is going to be our hearts

Salvador Novoa

January 5, 2013

mr hernandez was my inspiraiton i have known him since i was in kindergarden i would have stopped the sports that i was playing if it was for him and now i love soccer and swimming i go to excel academy with out him i think i would not go to school he was always my favorite teacher the last thing i said to mr hernandez was see u next year and then i moved to school and i miss him and i think of him everyday may he rip bye mr.h -marcos -12 years old

Marcos Jimenez

September 13, 2012

Dear Elizabeth, I am so very sorry to hear about Ruben. I cannot imagine what you are going through but I pray that God will be a comfort and strength to you, even now. I'm sending hugs and love all the way from Chicago. Please know that whenever I think of you, I will be praying.

Much love to you.

Cathy Carlisle

August 7, 2012

Sofia, my heart is breaking for you and your family. Having lost my daughter, my only child I can feel your pain and hearing about your loss of Ruben has open up a wound that has never healed. You now have a special angel that is watching over you and your family. I am so sorry.

Darlene Powers

August 7, 2012

Mr. H will be truly missed. He had a big heart and a one of a kind personality he was a great teacher with tons of patients... My children Eva, Vivian & Lucas Thunander had the privilege of knowing a great man.. My heart goes out to his family..

Eva Reyes

August 6, 2012

Coach Hernandez was a great inspiration and role model for my boys Caleb and Micah. They looked up to him and he motivated them to do their best. He was a wonderful and caring teacher who will truly be missed. RPA will never be the same.
My heart goes out to his family, especially his wife and daughter. Know that God will sustain you & comfort you in the midst of the storm.
The boys and I will be praying for you.

Tamesha Valverde

August 6, 2012

When I think of Ruben I think of the passion that he had for everything that he did and for everyone that surrounded him. He had a true, unmeasurable, passion for his students and their families, for his family, friends and above all for his wife and daughter. I will always miss his loud personality and his never ending energy. I pray for all of us to find the peace that we need after this.

Brenda Insurriaga

August 5, 2012

Ruben comes from a large loving family. My deepest condolences as you grieve. May your memories of time spend with Ruben comfort you at this time.

Lucia Sianez

August 5, 2012

Ruben was my step-son and I loved and cared for him deeply. Now that he is gone I realise that I was not able to spend nearly as much time with him as I would have wished.

He was a truly amazing person who - beyond being a caring husband and father - could compete in triathlons with his two brothers, renovate the house he and Elizabeth and Gianna were making their home, inspire students from the schools that he taught and be a wonderful friend to so many on a daily basis.

Ruben, I will miss you always but I know that I have so many wonderful memories of the times we did spend together.

Thank you so much for being a part of my life!

Nick Must

August 4, 2012

I don't know Ruben, but I can see he lived his life to the fullest. I travel to work five days a week on Fountain Grove, and it breaks my heart traveling through these past weeks. There are many memories for you to cherish. He appears to love what life offered and he will leave a lasting legacy. My prayers to the family, and may God Bless you with peace and comfort.

O Delayon

August 4, 2012

Being a student of Mr. Hernandez was a great honor.Being in a new school,he was the first staff/teacher that i opened up to.He was my P.E. teacher and my soccer coach.It saddens me that he is no longer here.He was not only my teacher but my friend.He gave me great words wisdom when I needed them.My prayers to his family and close friends.

Irene MendozA

August 3, 2012

Pull on your gym shoes and open your big hearts. There are a ton of kids (and adults) that need Ruben's message of keeping a healthy mind and body. We need to pick up where he has led us and remember that kindness and love like Ruben showed us is a gift worth sharing.

Ann Geiger

August 3, 2012

I myself didn't know Ruben. But just reading this sad story makes me fill for him and his family. God Bless his wife and daughter.My prayers go out to them.

A. Usmany

August 3, 2012

Love you, Ruben!! How I wish we could wake up from this nightmare & see your big smile.. Can't believe you're gone... I miss you, cousin... Rest in peace...

Melissa Ybarra

August 3, 2012

If you were touched by Ruben your life has been forever enriched. Ruben's life revolved around his family. Listening to him speak about Liz and Gigi was a joy because it was love that was spoken. His legacy is his willingness to live to big, love big and be remembered by many.

Catherine O'Brion

August 2, 2012

My deepest sympathies to his wife and daughter and his loved ones. Ruben will truly be missed.

Carisa Tavai

August 2, 2012

I've known Ruben for the past 6 years. He has taught both my daughters at RPA. He was a wonderful teacher, friend and colleague. He will truly be missed. My deepest sympathies to his wife and daughter and all his loved ones. School will never be the same without him.

Carisa Tavai

August 2, 2012

Ruben you will be missed by all. If my boys grow up to be anything like you, I will be thankful! You are truly an inspiration. Liz and GG I love you both and pray for you to find comfort during this time. To his family...I am sorry for you loss and pray you will find peace.

JoAnna Beck

August 2, 2012

This is an unfortunate tragedy. Rueben will b truly missed. My deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.

Carisa Tavai

August 2, 2012

Reuben you will truly be missed!! If my Boys turn out anywhere near how you were, I will be thankful! You are truly an inspiration. Liz and GG- I love you both and will pray as you overcome this hardship! To the rest of his family... I'm sorry for your loss and will continue to pray for strength during this time.

JoAnna Beck

August 2, 2012

Ruben i will miss your smile n your exciting stories about how much u love see Gigi grow each day. May prayers go out to u Liz n Gigi n all his family. I will always remember the first day we all got to know him at Rosa Parks. He will be greatly missed

Carol Jimenez

August 2, 2012

I was blessed to not just call him a co-worker but a wonderful friend as well. He was a confidant and the most amazing husband to Liz and daddy to Gigi. My world was a better place with him in it. Prayers and hugs to Liz, Gigi and his many family members and friends. Here's to you coach!

Lisa Johns

August 2, 2012

August 02, 2012

It has been a pleasure of knowing and working with Ruben for the past five years. Our thoughts and prayers to his wife,daughter and family members.

Monica/Andrew/Kassandra Lopez/Contreras

August 2, 2012

Having taught with Ruben for four years at Rosa Parks, I am deeply saddened and extend my thoughts and prayers to his wife, daughter and family members.
Love & hugs.....Marilyn Yunker

Marilyn Yunker

August 2, 2012

Ruben will be greatly missed. My prayers and thoughts are with his wife Elizabeth and their daughter Gigi

Judi Hansen

August 2, 2012

Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results

Make a Donation
in Ruben Hernandez's name

Memorial Events
for Ruben Hernandez

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Ruben's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Ruben Hernandez's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more