Reuben S Urmeneta

In Loving Memory of Reuben S. Urmeneta 1947 – 2025 Reuben “Ben” S. Urmeneta, age 77, of St. Augustine, Florida, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025, at The Bailey Family Center for Caring, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family. Born and raised in Gonzaga, Cagayan, Philippines, Ben was a family man with gentle humor and quiet strength. Ben earned his bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of the East in Manila. After graduation, he began working at a hospital as an accountant, when fate stepped in. He met Floresita, a dedicated nurse working there, who would become the love of his life. They married on April 3, 1976. In the late 1980s, Floresita moved to the United States to help build a better future for their family. Ben and their children later followed. They immigrated to Framingham, Massachusetts, where they would spend the next three decades. They built a life grounded in hard work, faith, and unwavering loyalty to family. He modelled the values he wished to instill, and their home was filled with warmth, lots of delicious food, and the joyful noise of children and visiting friends. Reuben had a lifelong love of music and a wonderful singing voice that would surprise everyone at karaoke. In his younger years he was a natural athlete: a varsity basketball player in college, a local tennis champion, and a regional winner at ping pong. He came from a big family and was the second oldest of six children. His siblings describe him as loving, friendly, generous, and very funny. He held a few jobs when he immigrated to the US. He spent a few years as a real estate agent, then later as a guard at the local hotel, but his most cherished position was one he took on after his retirement. He was a caretaker of his four grandchildren, and they fondly refer to their time with him as “Lolo’s daycare”. After his fifth grandchild was born, he left sunny Florida to spend a winter in Chicago to help take care of the new baby. He was a dedicated husband, a proud father, and a doting grandfather. In 2019, Reuben and Floresita moved to St. Augustine, Florida, where they became devoted members of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church. They spent their golden years enjoying quiet mornings, with the background hum of the television, sometimes taking walks at the beach or tending to their garden. Occasionally, they travelled the world, going as far as Europe, or South America, and their last trip together was to their newly renovated home in the Philippines. He was always fond of going home and seeing extended family. Ben is lovingly remembered by his children, Ruby Burke (Derek), Veronica Erasquin (Jervin), Reuben Urmeneta Jr. (Jane), and Irene Urmeneta (Michal); his beloved grandchildren, Joaquin Erasquin, Lukas Erasquin, Dylan Burke, Cayleigh Burke, Elaheh Koszycka, and Fareeda Urmeneta; his siblings, Mariano Urmeneta, Jr. (Nyoman), Marietta Larracas, Carlita DeAsis (Deogracias), and Emma Escusa; in-laws, Mary Helen Urmeneta, Lorraine Tubban (Thomas Jr.), Raul Flores (Eden), Estrell Vanguardia (Carlos Jr. ), Udette Falgui (Danilo), Helen Bais and Maribeth Patanao (Roberto); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. He was welcomed into eternal rest by his parents, Mariano and Pastora Urmeneta; his brother, Abraham Urmeneta; and his brothers-in-law, Ernesto Larracas, Delfin Escusa, and Gerry Bais. Ben’s life was a gift to all who knew him. His legacy of kindness, generosity, dedication, and love will live on in the hearts of those he touched. A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. at St. Johns Family Funeral Home. A second visitation will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025, at San Sebastian Catholic Church, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Good Counsel Cemetery. Those unable to attend the mass may watch the live-stream by going to: https://iframe.dacast.com/live/2a7a09ae1c0559a83ef537e05e6a14a6/0d926f14-3fd3-923f-c556-1f0bb777106f. St. Johns Family Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Reuben S Urmeneta

October 22, 1947 - April 21, 2025