Ruben Martinez Pelayo

Ruben Martinez Pelayo, age 60, of Covington, OH passed away on October 27, 2023 at his residence.  He was born on August 5, 1963 in Ayutla, Mexico to Enrique Pelayo Valer and Teresa Martinez.

He is survived by siblings: Gregorio Pelayo Martinez, Luis Pelayo Martinez, Alonso Pelayo Martinez, Gustavo Pelayo Martinez, Juan Jose Pelayo Martinez, Alfonso Pelayo Martinez, Enrique Pelayo Martinez and Felipe Pelayo Martinez and many extended family and friends in Mexico and Ohio.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved American Mom, Judy Colleen Rose and Godson, Zachary Noah Ruben Rose.

In 1995, Ruben along with his American “Mom” and business manager Judy Rose, opened El Sombrero Family Mexican Restaurant in Troy. For nearly 30 years they have donated to local soup kitchens monthly and fed thousands at the annual free traditional Thanksgiving meal.

Ruben had a very giving spirit, receiving the 2003 40 Under 40 from the Dayton Business Journal, the Troy Sertoma Club’s 2005 mankind award, grand marshal of Troy’s Grand Illumination and Strawberry Festival, the American Red Cross’ Humanitarian of the Year and the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center’s Unity in the Community award.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Troy, OH.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Food Pantry, 25 N. Mulberry St. Troy, OH 45373 or to Bethany Center, 339 South St. Piqua, OH 45356.

Condolences may be expressed to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.