Obituary for Ruben Cartagena
Ruben Cartagena, 78 of Verona, passed away on Monday January 15, 2024. Born in the Bronx, NY he was the son of the late Abraham and Dolores (Lugo) Cartagena. Ruben lived in Belleville, NJ and Nutley, NJ prior to coming to Verona 6 years ago. He was a Registered Nurse at Mountainside Hospital, and had previously earned a Master’s of Science Degree in Audiology from Hunter College. He was also a U.S. Air Force veteran and served in Vietnam.
Ruben was a selfless man who put everyone’s needs before his. He was there for everyone no matter what they wanted or needed. He was always patient and calm, and listened carefully to everyone’s problems. He lived a simple life but there was nothing simple about Ruben. He was truly a spiritual and inspirational man and a model of how people should live their lives.
Ruben was a deeply spiritual man and the Lutheran church was like a second family to him. He was a long-time member of the Bethany Lutheran congregation in Belleville, NJ and recently served as their interim minister until shortly before his passing.
Ruben was predeceased by his beloved wife, Joanne (Healey) Cartagena and is survived by his children, Michael Cartagena, Robert Dugan and Sammy and Elizabeth Rosado, and to Sammy and Elizabeth’s children and finally to his grandson Joshua Dugan. He was the dear brother of Bernice Gambello and the late Mary Natal, Rachel Casiano, and Damaris Quinones and brother-in-law to Jane Healey.
Visitors will be received at the S.W. Brown & Son Funeral Home, 267 Centre St. Nutley on Saturday January 20 from 2-5 pm. A Memorial Service will also be conducted at the funeral home on Saturday afternoon at 4 pm.
Ruben was a selfless man who put everyone’s needs before his. He was there for everyone no matter what they wanted or needed. He was always patient and calm, and listened carefully to everyone’s problems. He lived a simple life but there was nothing simple about Ruben. He was truly a spiritual and inspirational man and a model of how people should live their lives.
Ruben was a deeply spiritual man and the Lutheran church was like a second family to him. He was a long-time member of the Bethany Lutheran congregation in Belleville, NJ and recently served as their interim minister until shortly before his passing.
Ruben was predeceased by his beloved wife, Joanne (Healey) Cartagena and is survived by his children, Michael Cartagena, Robert Dugan and Sammy and Elizabeth Rosado, and to Sammy and Elizabeth’s children and finally to his grandson Joshua Dugan. He was the dear brother of Bernice Gambello and the late Mary Natal, Rachel Casiano, and Damaris Quinones and brother-in-law to Jane Healey.
Visitors will be received at the S.W. Brown & Son Funeral Home, 267 Centre St. Nutley on Saturday January 20 from 2-5 pm. A Memorial Service will also be conducted at the funeral home on Saturday afternoon at 4 pm.