Ronald-Ruben-Obituary

Ronald J. Ruben

Hoboken, New Jersey

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Hoboken, New Jersey

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A House in His Memory
Ronald J. Ruben did not mind getting his hands dirty. When he was not trading equities on Wall Street, he was fixing old cars, or building toy boxes, tables and chairs. He was a people person, though his hobbies required him to spend long stretches alone, said his sister, Leslie Dillon.

"He would always be there to fix things and carry things for people," Mrs. Dillon said. "I know people say this all the time, but he was one of the good guys."

Before the attacks, Mr. Ruben, 36, of Hoboken, N.J., had worked for seven months for Keefe, Bruyette & Woods as vice president of equity trading. He had agonized for days over whether he should leave his longtime job at another financial company, she said. But once he started at Keefe, he expressed no regrets.

As a memorial, family and friends are having a Habitat for Humanity house built in Mr. Ruben's name.


Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on October 15, 2001.


Ron Ruben, 36, a kind and loving friend When Ron Ruben got his first holiday bonus, he spent it at a toy store and brought the gifts to children at a local hospital.

At gatherings of family and friends, he was a favorite playmate for children, including his nieces, Amy Rose and Morgan, and his nephew Pierce.

"He was Uncle Ronnie to 100 kids," said his sister, Leslie Dillon of Jefferson Township. "He's one of the good guys of this world. He's the kind of guy that you wanted to bring home, and you wanted him to be your friend."

Shortly after 9 a.m. on Sept. 11, Mr. Ruben, who worked on the 89th floor of Two World Trade Center as a vice president of equity trading for Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Inc., told both his sisters during separate phone calls that he was okay.

"He told me he loved me, and I told him I loved him," Dillon said. "Then he said, 'I have to go.'"

A bachelor, Mr. Ruben, 36, lived in Hoboken with his cats, Dusty and Luna. He enjoyed playing golf and tinkering with cars. He had been rebuilding an MG at a friend's house in Glen Ridge. An amateur carpenter, he made furniture and toy boxes for family and friends.

"He will work on anything he can get his hands on," said his sister, Hillary Hans of Washington Township in Bergen County. "He liked to make things work right."

Raised in Montclair, Mr. Ruben graduated from Montclair High School in 1983. He graduated from Ithaca College and earned a master's degree in business administration at New York University.

He worked for the Fort Lee investment firm Kramer Spellman for seven years before moving to KBW earlier this year.

Mr. Ruben's father died of cancer 18 years ago. After his mother died of cancer five years ago, he tattooed his parents' initials over his heart: "M.P." for Marjorie and Peter.

"We miss him dearly," Hans said. "It was just the three of us, and now it's just the two of us."

A memorial service will be held 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 14 at Temple Israel, 475 Grove St. in Ridgewood.

Contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity Newark for the Ron Ruben House or to the Montclair Education Fund for Ron Ruben in care of Leslie Dillon, 603 Berkshire Valley Rd., Wharton, N.J. 07885.

Guest Book

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He Ronny Rubes, I just got back from a trip to Amsterdam with my family. My son was studying abroad. Last time I was there with you. Do you remember the Red Light district and the many many laughs? I think about you everyday. Miss playing golf and all your good energy. I know you are watching over. Miss you buddy!

I think about you and your Mom every day. Love and miss you!

During one crazy weekend in Amsterdam while we were abroad at Ithaca College’s London Center, you made me laugh hard and often. That’s a memory I will never forget so thank you Ron!

One of the most special people I had the privilege of spending time with. So much laughter and fun. My college years would not have been the same without you. RIP sweet Ron. You will never be forgotten.

God bless family God bless our dear neighbor friend rest in peace justice will prevail never be forgotten. Respectfully yours kathleen spanarkel my mom joan shaughnessy thomas families

Hello, my name is Bryan. I am a 10th grade student from some far away place called Har-Ber Highschool in Springdale, Arkansas. I am very sorry for this tragedy that has fallen upon the family of Ruben to have to burden. You all have my condolences, Ruben is in my thoughts this day, and he will most likely remain in my thoughts long afterward. America will not forget this day, rest assured. Have a great day, you will remain in my prayers.

I went to Hebrew School with Ron and was part of the same carpool for five years. Sorry about all the times my dad was late! Ron, you were always nice and kind to me and a good guy. We were only in each other's lives for a little while but you had a lasting impact on me and I'm grateful for the experience. Hope your sisters are doing well.

Joe Flint

Ron, I still smile and laugh when I think of our time at Ithaca College, specifically our time during our semester abroad in London and even more specifically on our crazy weekend in Amsterdam! If anyone from Ron's family is reading this and would like photos of Ron from our semester in London, email me and i will be happy to send them. [email protected]. Here's one that cracks me up! Jonathan Shames- Bethlehem PA (Ithaca College '87)

The Ron I knew best!