Ruben Galapon

Ruben A. Galapon, age 76, of Jersey City, entered into eternal rest surrounded by his loving family on Monday, April 22nd, 2024, in his own home.  He was born in 1947 in Florida Blanca, Philippines to the late Tiburcio and Clara.  He met the love of his life, Nelly in 1968, and they have been inseparable ever since.  He was a machinist for NJ Transit for 19 years, and just recently retired on July 3rd, 2023.  He was also a longtime machinist at C&C Metal prior to his employment at NJ Transit. 

Ruben, aka “Cong Ben, Kuya Ben, Uncle Ben, Lolo Ben” was a fun loving husband, dad, grandfather, uncle and friend.  He loved music, karaoke, and was a great dancer.  He was the life of any party, and was always trying to make people laugh, especially his grandchildren.  He was a talented mechanic, and was able to fix anything that was in disrepair.  He was an avid golfer in his younger years in Australia, where he won many local competitions.  He lived in Papua New Guinea for many years to provide for his family in the Philippines, and was only able to see them for two weeks every year, until the family was able to immigrate to the U.S. in 1983. 

Ruben is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Nelly; his children, Jay, Jane & Glenn and their spouses, respectively: Cynthia, John and Shae; his grandchildren: Jerome, John III, Isaiah, Aedan, Jude, Adrienne and Mahaliya; his younger brother, Mario Galapon, and numerous in- laws, nieces and nephews.

Visitation is Friday, April 26, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Riotto Funeral & Cremation Company, 3205 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City, NJ 07306 (For GPS Navigation, it is best to use our parking lot entrance address: 14 Stagg St., Jersey City). Funeral is April 27, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at the funeral home.  Funeral mass is at 11:00 AM at St. Nicholas Church, 144 Ferry Street, Jersey City.  Entombment will follow at Holy Name Cemetery, 823 West Side Ave. Jersey City.