Ruben A. Zuza Jr.

Ruben Zuza Obituary

Zuza, Ruben A., Jr., 60, of Plantation, FL passed away May 13, 2009. He was born in Havana, Cuba on October 17, 1948 and immigrated to the United States in 1962. Although not a U.S. citizen, he faithfully served this country in the Republic of Vietnam where he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with "V" for valor displayed in combat. Upon his return home from war in 1970 he was granted citizenship and he met and later married his beloved wife of 38 years, Janice. As a husband and father he raised four boys and fulfilled his American Dream. Being a lover of fishing, boating and the outdoors, he regarded South Florida as his paradise and was always happiest in her sunshine. He was regarded as an example of absolute integrity by his family and many friends. Ruben is survived by his wife Janice; sons Charles, David, Michael and Andrew; mother Herminia; sister Emmy; daughters-in-law Julia and Jessica; and his precious grandchildren Adrien, Katelyn, Dylan and Shelby. He is predeceased by his father, Ruben, Sr. Family and friends may call from 3-6 PM on Sunday, May 17, 2009 at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 18, 2009 at 10 AM, at All Saints Catholic Church, 10900 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise, FL 33351. Donations in Ruben's memory may be made to the American Heart Assoc., www.tinyurl.com/rubenzuza. Cremation arrangements with T.M. RALPH FUNERAL HOME Sawgrass/Weston, 371 NW 136 Ave., Sunrise, FL 33325, (954) 587-6888, www.tmralph.com.

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Published by Sun-Sentinel on May 16, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruben Zuza

8 Entries

michael trocchio

May 21, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

May 20, 2009

Jan and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts amd prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
Liz Wesolek (Trocchio)

Jim & Deborah Krahn

May 19, 2009

Jan,

Ruben was one of the few gentle men I have ever known. I pray he finds the best fishing spot in heaven. With Ruben there was also a little bit of craziness from the "old days". The night that he and I, after a long day of reviewing files, parked a company car on the 18th green of the Doral....Deborah and I will also never forget the "morning after the night before" when Ruben came down not once, twice, but three times for breakfast in Tampa after a Progressive Party complaining that the dry toast was too spicy. Kidding aside, I will always remember him at the controls of his ship on the way to his favorite fishing hole. May he be fishing for eternity, what he loved. We will miss the Salty Dog...they've taken the old man home.

Kris & Luisa VonKaler

May 18, 2009

Jan,

It's with great sadness that I write this note of condolence for the passing of Ruben. He holds a very special place in my heart and I will have fond memories of him for the rest of my life. Ruben was a lot more than just my first real boss, as he was a good friend, mentor, favorite uncle, and at times a father figure to me. All the young guys coming through Miami looked up to him, including Brooks, Wilbur, Williams, Newsome, Mclaughlin and many others. Ruben was man's man who would not often show his feelings, but it was evident that he really cared about those of us who had the honor of both working for and learning from him. We admired the adversity he overcame, immigrating at a very young age to this country that he loved so much, and later fighting heroically in Vietnam for all of us. I'll especially miss that sly and somewhat cynical sense of humor that he always had. I'm sorry that Luisa and I cannot be with your family at this difficult time. We will pray for Ruben's soul as he enters the eternal kingdom of the Lord. I look forward to seeing you and your boys in the future, and sharing with you some of my good memories (and stories..!) about "Old Salt & Pepper".

Sean & Annette Sullivan

May 16, 2009

Jan,

Sean and I just heard about Ruben's passing. Please know our thoughts, prayers & love are with you and your boys. Paappy will always have a place in our hearts - he was a very special man - what a sense of humor, always upbeat and looking at the best in situations and seeing the best in people. I hope he has found his perfect fishing spot in a little piece of heaven! Love to you all, Sean, Annette, Corey, Erin & Megan

Karen Erp

May 16, 2009

Dear Jan,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I pray that you and your family will find comfort in all of the wonderful memories I'm sure you have of Ruben.

Warmest regards,
Karen Erp

Craig Towbin

May 16, 2009

Ruben was a fun-loving guy who whose company was enjoyed by everyone I knew while working with him at Progressive Insurance. He put a smile on my face and will be missed. My condolences to his family,

Respectfully,

Craig Towbin

Michael Williams

May 16, 2009

So sorry to hear about Ruben's death. I consider him a friend and have fond memories of the times we had working together at Progressive as well as non-work times getting together. He was a super mentor to me in learning about the industry and job. He also had a great sense of humor and fun to be around. I know he will be missed by all but especially by his family that he loved so much. So sorry I cannot be in S FL to pay my respects to Ruben and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and the family. Mike, [email protected]

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