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Michael Joshua Reuben

Michael Reuben Obituary

REUBEN, Michael Joshua Age 22, of Sudbury, MA. Beloved son of John D. Reuben. Brother of Max H. Reuben. Musician, artist and sales executive. We will miss our child and the young man he became. Addiction was the illness that took him, but never the essence of who he was. Also survived by his loving grandmother, and numerous dear aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, including the Abreu and Reuben/Glanzman families of Somerville and the Frias family of Hudson. Donations may be made in his memory to: Saving Teens in Crisis Collaborative, a non-profit organization founded by John Reuben to assist troubled teens and their families struggling with substance abuse and other emotional issues. www.savingteens.org P.O. Box 441363, West Somerville, MA 02144

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Published by Boston Globe on Sep. 21, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Reuben

21 Entries

nico

August 5, 2010

may you rest in peace michael. i don't know you but i know you're a fighter and thats all that matters. your family loves you so much, you're never alone. i hope this candle will light your path and guide you to where you're going, the kingdom of god.

Stephanie Gannon

January 12, 2009

The other day i was sittin on my back porch just hanging out with a few friends and my friend nikki said something hilarious i grabed my phone and went to call you and just looked down at your name on my phone and my heart just sank. I miss you so much! The only thing i keep thinking is that your in a better place <3 U ~Steph

Tish Harding

September 29, 2008

Dear John,
I just wanted to let you know that I have been thinking of you and Max every day.
Although I didn't know Michael personally, I felt like I knew him through our conversations and
you telling me about how well he was doing in sales, and how ambitious he was.
It was quite obvious how proud you were of him.
I never met a parent who did more to help his children.
Starting the non profit STICC,showed concern, not only for your children, but to all people who are struggling with drug addiction.
You are an amazingly strong person, and I know your higher power will help guide you through this most sorrowful time.
LOVE IS ETERNAL.

Jen

September 25, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss. I have struggled with Oc addiction for years and it is still an everyday fight. Reading Michaels Obit was striking to me. I am very thankful that you were honest to put in the cause of death. Thank you. It is such a powerful move and a sure way for Michael to touch people after he is gone. My deepest sympathies to the family.

CHRISTEN

September 23, 2008

I HAVE A 22 YR SON WHOS SOUL WAS RIPPED FROM HIM FRON HEROIN HE IS IN JAIL AND I FEEL I AM TOO , BUT I PRAY ALL THE TIME AND KNOW HE IS SAFE IN JAIL I HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FOR COMFORT AND LIKE YOU SAID HE WAS AN AWESOME YOUNG MAN AND HIS ADDICTION WAS NOT THE ESSENCE OF WHO HE WAS THAT IS BEATIFUL I RELATE . WE WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR YOU I AM FROM WALTHAM I KNOW SUDBURY I WILL ALWAYS THINK OF YOUR MICHAEL MY SON IS A MICHAEL HES AN AWESOME YOUNGH MAN... THANK YOU FOR UNCONTIONAL LOVE YOU GAVE YOUR SON

Pamela Engel

September 23, 2008

Life's greatest tragedy is the death of a child, and when it comes as the result of substance addiction, we are left speechless and in shock. I lost my son four years ago at the age of 25 to an accidental overdose of Oxycontin. I would like to offer you this prayer that was written by a friend of mine.

Death is not the end. I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other, we are still. Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way we used to. Put no difference in your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed, play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be spoken without effort, without trace of shadow. What is death, but a negligible accident, why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well. In loving memory of Dashiell Unkefer

My deepest condolences to you in this very difficult time.

Pamela Engel
Napa, CA

Jenn D

September 23, 2008

I too do not know your family; Sudbury is a few towns over from where I grew up and the obituary caught my eye. I commend your bravory and honesty in the writing of Michaels obituary. It is truly STAND UP and making a statement that is usually "hidden" and "embarrasment" by most. I love that you point out it did not define who your son was. I too feel Michael's passing is going to help many-my thoughts and prayers to the family & I wish you luck in the organization that undoubtably will hold onto Michaels memory and help many-

September 23, 2008

I lost a brother from the same illness as your son, although he was a little older - It is truly a tragedy and a sickness - May your memories bring you comfort.

September 22, 2008

As a parent of 2 college kids..my heart goes out to you all. It is a scary world for the young of today. it sounds like your son had a wonderful support group w/ in your family. Im very sorry that you have to experience this awful loss. The loss of a child is just not meant to be. Try and find solstice in.. he is being held tight in the arms of god and all the angels. May god bless you.

Nicol Blakely

September 22, 2008

I am at a loss for words. All I can say is that I do understand how addiction impacts a family. You are not alone. I wish you peace and hope that your courage enlightens others. God bless Michael!

With my sincerest condolences,
Nicol Blakely

margaret valentine

September 22, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, ""I welcome you.""

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......""My day was not in vain.""
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

J B

September 22, 2008

i do not know your your family-nor did i know michael. what i do know is that addiction nearly killed me ---i will pray for michael and your entire family.

September 22, 2008

Dear Family of Michael,
Great things are to come from your tragic loss. As so many have already said, your honesty has made me and others realize the preciousness of life. I pray that your happy memories of Michael will bring you comfort during this difficult time. Know that many young people in our world are conflicted with the need to be successful while trying to maintain their own self and integrity. I will keep you and Michael in my prayers

Christina Blaney

September 22, 2008

Mike and I were friends from what seemed like another lifetime. We kept in touch off and on over the years, but addiction is an incredible illness that beat him down for so long. He had a select few friends there for support and an amazingly supportive family. Let it be known that "Reuben" did not go out without a fight. He was an intelligent, talented and extremely funny person. He will be in our hearts and thoughts until we see him again. My condolences to his family. He is with God now, gone but not forgotten.

Michael Gilstrap

September 22, 2008

Dear Family of Michael,
I just saw of your son's passing in the newspaper and wanted to write to you. I lost someone very special and the range of emotions are vast and go on for a long time. You'll find you are stronger than you think. I didn't know Michael, but reading his obituary, he seems like a very special person. Sometimes the incredibly talented have a harder time of life - so many dreams in their mind, it's hard for the body to keep up. Remember the very best of him, the purist person he was and still is in your hearts. May God Bless you and your Family. Michael Gilstrap

Jessica Threat

September 22, 2008

I too am touch! This will help someone, my child is addicted to drugs and God is able to help all your hurts and sorrows. Look to the hills from which comes your help. (God)

Michael Reardon

September 22, 2008

I do not know your family, nor Michael. What a great name he has, and I'm sure the archangel has watched over him. Thank you so much for sharing this with the public - that was courageous and useful. May God give you peace.

Nina

September 22, 2008

My deepest condolences to your family. It was very brave of you to share your experiences and grief. Hopefully your honesty will help another lost young person. Michael was luckier than most to have had a loving supportive family who did all that they could to protect him from his demons.

A friend of Bill W.

September 21, 2008

I was reading the obituaries and came upon this brave young man, and his especially courageous family. It takes alot of courage to be able to let people know that your son was addicted. I, as well am a recovering addict, and I work with many addicts and alcoholics who are trying to get clean and sober. I just wish many families of addicts and alcoholics would be as proud as you folks were of your son. Addiction is tough, it destroys many families, but if some folks were more supportive like you were, we would have a much better chance of overcoming addiction and remaining clean. Please, know that addiction is a disease and is not your fault. Michael did not die in vain, I believe he died so others could be healed. God Bless I am so proud of you all, especially Michael.

Patricia

September 21, 2008

I don't know your family but I offer my condolences for the loss of Michael. I work with young people with addiction issues. I also have lost many people in my family to this disease. This is a tragedy.
Patricia

George Todd

September 21, 2008

Loss of such a young man brings my sympathy for Michael and all Family and Friends. Addiction takes too many good young folks. Hopefully his loss will help save somebody.

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