Ruben Edward Pineda

Ruben E. Pineda, age 96, of Santa Maria, California, passed away peacefully at his home on March 12, 2025. He was born in Santa Barbara to Guillermina Salazar and Hilario Pineda.

During World War II, after a Japanese submarine attack off the California coast in 1942, his family relocated to Los Angeles. As a young man, Ruben worked various jobs before beginning his full-time position as a truck driver with the Seven-Up Bottling Company in 1947.

In 1950, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was deployed to the front lines of the Korean War as an Infantry Rifleman with the 3rd Infantry Division. He endured extreme combat conditions and bitter cold, displaying courage and resilience. In 1952, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with a “V” for valor in recognition of his heroic actions in battle.

Following his military service, Ruben returned to Los Angeles and worked for several bottling companies. He met and married his first wife, Catalina (Aguilar) Pineda, with whom he shared 28 years of marriage until her passing in 1986.

In 1988, Ruben met and married Virginia (Martinez) Pineda. Retiring, after 25 years at Pepsi-Cola, he and his new bride moved to Santa Maria in 1990, fulfilling his dream of returning to Santa Barbara County. Retirement didn’t slow Ruben down, as he spent 20 years working as a security guard, primarily at Santa Maria Regional Airport, where he enjoyed greeting travelers and sharing stories.

Ruben and Virginia built a life together in Santa Maria for nearly 35 years, deeply devoted to one another. He was heartbroken when Virginia passed away in 2024.

Known for his charisma, Ruben left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He took pride in his sharp sense of style and commitment to staying active and physically fit. A passionate Karaoke enthusiast, his booming voice filled the room. He loved all types of music and was often among the first to hit the dance floor. A devoted Catholic, he served as a lector at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Santa Maria.

Ruben is survived by his stepchildren and their spouses: Armando Martinez (Terri) of Santa Maria, Virginia Foletta (Joseph) of Atascadero, Rosario Ferneau (David) of Citrus Heights, and Jesus Cruz Martinez, Jr. (Allan) of Sacramento. He adored his six grandchildren, Monica Foletta, Michelle Foletta Bell (Matt), Rachel Ferneau LePage (Bryan), Andrew Ferneau (Elizabeth), Daniel Martinez, and Jack Ferneau, as well as his great-grandson, Oliver Joseph Bell. He is also survived by his brother Carlos Acuna, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Ruben’s strength, loyalty, and deep love for his family and country were the cornerstones of his life. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ruben’s memory to Honor Flight Central Coast California ( www.honorflightccc.org ), a nonprofit organization dedicated to taking veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials honoring their service.

Santa Maria Services:

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 9, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Santa Maria. Interment with military honors will follow at Santa Maria Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:30 p.m. in the Kent Room at the Santa Maria Inn, 801 S. Broadway, Santa Maria CA 93454.

Los Angeles Services:

A funeral Mass will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City on Monday, May 12, at 12:00 p.m. in the Holy Redeemer Chapel. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the Palisades Garden Room at the Courtyard by Marriott, 6333 Bristol Parkway, Culver City, CA 90230.

Cremation handled by Neptune Society www.neptunesociety.com/obituaries