Ruben Benjamin Salcedo

Ruben passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 7th, 2022 after a long illness. He leaves behind Kathleen, his wife of 40 years, his children Frank Salcedo and his wife Jessica, Cherie Blackwell and her husband Todd of Gold Beach, Oregon; Jenna Utter and her husband Tim of Alta Loma California; and Mallory Delaney and her husband Joseph of Ramsey, Minnesota. Ruben was blessed with 17 grandchildren. His sisters Ana, Mary Lou, Martha, and his brother Jose all reside in Southern California. They blessed him with11 nieces and nephews and 10 great nieces and nephews. Ruben was most proud of being a patriot and a Vietnam Veteran, having served in country 1970-1972, first as "Boots on the Ground", then as a heavy equipment driver, a skill that turned into a lifelong profession. He worked in transportation for Big 5 Sporting Goods 41 years, 25 of which he served his co-workers as shop steward for Teamster's Local 986. He was known as a tough and loud negotiator and advocate, always championing better working conditions and improved benefits for the drivers. He made incredible friends there, many who said he could "thread a needle with a set of doubles!". He retired in 2019 after a severe injury sustained on the job in 2018 with subsequent health issues and finally terminal illness. Ruben requested a military memorial service, at which he will be honored as the patriot, loving husband and father that he was. Interment at sea by the United States Navy will occur at a later date.The memorial service is to be held at the Upland Veterans Monument Plaza 460 N. Euclid Ave., Upland, CA., at 12:30 pm on Sunday April 24, 2022. The celebration of life and a light lunch will immediately follow at the Upland Woman's Club 590 N. Second Ave., Upland, CA. We ask that those attending inform us, so as to accommodate everyone. Ruben's loving family, many friends, and wonderful neighbors will all miss him terribly.