New York, New York
Living for Sports
You wanted to talk sports? Ruben Esquilin Jr. was your man. He lived sports, he breathed sports, he ate sports for dinner.
That's right, he worked as a maintenance worker for Fiduciary Trust. Once the workday ended, however, he was off to play softball or basketball or football. He belonged to so many different teams around the city that his relatives could not keep them straight. Mr. Esquilin, 35, lived with his mother and one of his sisters and her son in Lower Manhattan. His room was stuffed with sports equipment and trophies certifying his abilities.
"I know the Angels was the last softball team he was on," said his sister, Priscilla, "but don't ask me to name any others. He was on so many, forget about it.
"He watched sports constantly," she went on. "If he was playing a game, he'd call the house and ask me or my mother to videotape a game that was on TV. Of course, we'd do it. We spoiled him."
He was a big Michael Jordan fan. His sister said he would have been ecstatic to hear that his beloved basketball star was returning to the game.
23 years my brother, still can’t believe you are gone. You was my big bro since day one and a lot of good times. Miss them football, baseball and bike riding days. You took me to Palladium and other clubs to watch your sister perform. You are truly missed by all. Sleep in Paradise u will never be forgotten
Anthony Nieves
September 11, 2024 | NYC, NJ | Neighbor
Another Christmas without hearing your laughter, seeing your bright smile or you watching us make pasteles. The holidays aren’t the same without you. I share my memories of you with your niece, her face brightens up but sad that she never got to meet you. You are so loved and missed, but I know the heavens is filled with your laughter. You’ll always live in our hearts and mind.❤ love you
Happy holidays to you my brother
Mary & Ruby Vargas
December 23, 2023 | New York, NY | Sister
Merry Christmas in Heaven, my brother. You are sorely missed and live in my heart every single day. I miss when we did the grab bag and we would throw the wrappings at Domino, so much laughter and fun we had. When you would jump on Greg and you would use mom to practice some karate moves, so many memories, forever in my heart. Our family is not the same. Miss you so much. Until we meet again. Love and God Bless you
Your sister, Priscilla
Priscilla Esquilin Hernandez
December 22, 2023 | Jamaica, NY | Sister
Let me see..what can i say about my only Son Ruben Esquilin Jr. Well that he was my life, that as a single mother i looked up to him and back then i felt safe with him. He was a good son who never gave me problems with his attitude or behaviour,and he was a good Brother to his 3 sisters Priscilla, Mary and baby sister Eileen, he worked hard and after work was a coach in a school to a group or students Boys and Girls, he was respected by these students and from what i heard some of these...
Maria Bey
December 12, 2023 | Kissimmee, FL | Mother
Rest easy my brother, you are truly missed
Anthony Nieves
September 14, 2023 | Clinton, NJ | Friend
Always thinking about you Ruben, you were a great person and I always carry our conversations with me brother. Prayers to all of your family and friends.
Sammy Silva
September 11, 2023 | Lower East Side, NY | Friend
22 years smh and it's still so hard to believed. I can still envision your smile , your playful ways and your laughter so crystal clear as far back in the 80's . I will always love you Nunie you will always and forever live on, in my heart. May God bless you and your family
Kathleen Lopez
September 11, 2023 | Newburgh, NY | Friend
Another year has passed and it doesn’t get easier. We miss you more than ever and it amazes me how I still can hear you saying my name and hear your laughter. You will never be forgotten. We cherish and laugh at all those beautiful moments we shared. We love you beyond words and continue to pray for you and for us. Till we meet again my beautiful brother ❤
Marybelle Esquilin
September 10, 2023 | New York, NY | Family
My name is Rafy Vazquez. First I want to extend my condolences to the family and friends of this young man. I played with his father Ruben Esquilin Sr. In the 80’s. I beheld this young man as a little boy who would watch his dad and the members of the group rehearse Trio music. Ruben Sr, was an accomplished musician and we recorded an LP in the 80s. May the lord bless and comfort the family now and always.
Rafy Vazquez
September 10, 2023 | Tampa, FL | Friend