Obituaries

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ruben Herrera of Fremont, who passed away peacefully on January 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 90 years old.

Ruben was a devoted husband for 57 years to Graciela Herrera, who preceded him in death. He was a beloved father to Fernando Herrera and his wife Kelly, Irma Herrera, Hilda Quintero, Maria Herrera, Ruben Herrera Jr. and his wife Dalila, and Carlos Herrera. He was a cherished grandfather to Vanessa, Janelle, Fernando Jr., Lydia, Alicia, Brittany, Isaac, and Isaiah, and a proud great-grandfather to Brooklyn, Reese, Maddex, Jackson, Logan, Hayden, and Isla.

Ruben is also survived by his siblings: Jose "Pepe" Herrera (Graciela+), Carolina Herrera, Rigoberto Herrera (Alicia), Ubaldo Herrera (Zoila), Adela Herrera de Enriquez (Mario), Silvia Herrera de Rodríguez (Efren+), Juan Francisco "Paco" Herrera (Teresa), Rodolfo Herrera (Cecy), and brother-in-law Daniel Campos, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sisters Ofelia Herrera de Ramirez (Francisco+) and Lourdes "Malu" Herrera de Campos.

Ruben Herrera was born on October 29, 1934, in San Juan de Los Lagos, Jalisco, Mexico. As part of the Bracero program, Ruben migrated to Watsonville in 1952 to work in the strawberry fields. In 1955, he married Graciela Campos, and in 1961, he was able to bring his wife and three children to San Francisco, where three more children were born. The family moved to Fremont in 1974.

Ruben worked for many years as a union laborer in the construction industry in San Francisco. A proud member of Local 261, he retired in 1997 after 39 years of dedicated service. In his earlier years, Ruben enjoyed spending time bowling, playing billiards, and participating in domino games. He also had a love for the excitement of horse races. Later in life, his interests expanded to the digital world, where he enjoyed watching YouTube videos, following politics, engaging with friends on Facebook, and learning about various topics from the show “How It’s Made”.

Ruben’s greatest joy, however, was being with his family. He cherished the time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His passion for family was unmatched, and he loved taking part in family gatherings and activities.

Ruben will be remembered as a loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather, and a good and loyal friend. His legacy of hard work, love, faith and devotion to family will be cherished forever. He will be truly missed. We love you, Impa.

Visitation will be held at Fremont Memorial Chapel, 3723 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, on Thursday, January 16, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, with a Vigil at 6:30 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 17, at 10:30 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 34588 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536.