Ruben Benavides Torres' Obituary
OBITUARY
Ruben Benavides Torres, of Modesto, California, formerly of Hayward, passed away on December 25, 2025, in San Jose, California.
Visitation and Vigil will be held on Thursday, January 15, from 4:00-8:00 PM at Chapel of the Chimes, Hayward, in the Reflection Chapel. Funeral Services will take place on Friday, January 16, from 9:00-10:30 AM, also in the Reflection Chapel, with burial to follow at 10:45 AM.
Ruben was born on June 1, 1955, in San Antonio, Texas, to Fidel and Luisa Torres. He was one of 7 children, brother to Fidel Jr., Olga, Angelica, Delia, Elva, and Hector. The family later moved to California, settling in Union City.
Ruben attended James Logan High School, graduating in 1973. He went on to attend Chabot College in Hayward, and later attended the Institute of Technology in Modesto. Ruben worked for Emerald Packaging in Union City, before retiring in 2023. He previously worked 34 years with another packaging company in Newark, American National Can, currently known as Amcor/Bemis Company, Inc.
It was at one of Ruben's earliest jobs, at Cleaners Hanger Company in Union City, where he met Ernestina. It wasn't until later, after Ruben had left the company, that they were to meet again, began dating, and they got married in 1980. Ruben and Ernestina were married for 45 years, and together they built a blended family, demonstrating a deep commitment to one another and their children.
Ruben took great pride in serving his community. He dedicated 22 years as a Reserve Officer with the Union City Police Department, and was a committed member of the Knights of Columbus - Fr. Walter O'Brien Council 3518 in San Lorenzo. Most recently, he served as a Citizen Volunteer with the STARS program through the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department.
He loved family get-togethers and summertime BBQs. He was an avid bargain hunter and a true garage-sale aficionado. He enjoyed telling stories-especially around the dinner table-and he was known for his witty humor, great laugh and warm smile. He was also a lifetime Raiders, A's, and Golden State Warriors fan.
Ruben is survived by his wife Ernestina, their children Elizabeth, Pamela, Ruben Jr., Randy, and Natalia; grandchildren Abel, Michael, Jordan, Ruben Alexander, Makayla, Andrea, and David; as well as his siblings, extended family and friends who loved him dearly. Ruben was preceded in death by his parents, Fidel and Luisa Torres.
He will be greatly missed by us all
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