Ruben Orlando Figueroa

Ruben O. Figueroa, age 89, passed away on Sunday, February 27 2022 in Orlando, Florida.

Ruben was born on September 1, 1932, in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, the third of four children born to Rafael A. Figueroa and Maria I. Rivera, where he was known as 'Lando". As a child growing up during the Second World War his heroes were soldiers. At the age of sixteen, he entered the University of Puerto Rico. After graduation, he joined the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant and was in the Korean War.He later achieved the rank of Captain. Although he planned to make the Army his career, illness made that impossible. But during his time in the Army, he discovered a talent for defending people. There were solders, not always fluent in English, who would get in trouble while on leave. He defended them by pointing out that these were soldiers who fought hard in battle and partied hard off the battlefield.

After retiring from the army, Ruben attended law school at the University of Puerto Rico. After graduating he became an associate with Reinaldo Paniagua and would later start his own Law firm with Enrique Nassar. Figueroa & Nassar would represent high profile clients in Puerto Rico and the United States.
In the early 1980s, Ruben would move his family to upstate New York and work for Southern Tier Legal Services. There in a small Assemblies of God church, he was "born again" and accepted Jesus as his Savior. A few years later he was appointed a Judge and relocated his family to Orlando FL.

Ruben was a devoted family man. He took very good care of his parents while they were alive and took charge of family matters when needed. As a father, he could be strict but loving. Often his children would fear getting "The Look" when they screwed up. He always encouraged his children to be their best and to speak their mind. This was especially true during dinner time which was family time, and time to discuss what was happening in the world. This meant the television and later smart phones, were off. He could be opinionated, loud, unfiltered, and passionate in his discussions whether he was talking about the status of Puerto Rico, a recent prizefight (as he was an avid boxing fan) or his beloved football team the Buffalo Bills. He would often quote Harry Truman, Satchel Paige, or a line from a song to make his point. Sometimes other family members could get a few words in.

His wisdom and fatherly advice was available to anyone who needed it. Often his advice would begin with, "You know what I learned in the army?" Then he would impart wisdom like knowing what side of the bread the butter is on or "To every question there is a good answer and the real answer".
Sadly, much of his wisdom came through loss. First, when his first wife, Helen, died in 1961, and later three of his children; Raquel and Roberto who in 2000, and Ruben Jr., also known as Speedy, who died in 2021. Thanks to his faith and his loving wife Annie, he was available to council other people going through similar losses. Coincidentally, his favorite book in the Bible was Job.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-two years Annie, children Tina, Tony, Sonia, Laura, and grandsons, David, Carlos Ruben, Alejandro, Zion and Jericho.
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Ruben Figueroa's wisdom will live through his children and grandchildren.

To laugh often and much: To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS THE FAMILY REQUESTS THAT DONATIONS BE MADE TO "SPEED THE LIGHT" A MISSIONS MINISTRY AT CHURCH TO RESCUE GIRLS & BOYS FROM SEX TRAFFICKING. Donations can be sent in memory of Ruben Figueroa to:
Faith Assembly of God
9307 Curry Ford Rd
Orlando, FL 32825
Or Website:
faithassembly.org.give