Ruben A. Teixido, M.D.

Ruben A. Teixido, 96, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family and friends on December 12^th 2017.

Ruben was born in the small town Puerto Guaraní in a remote area of the Chaco in Paraguay. He graduated from the National University in Asunción, Paraguay in 1948 with a degree in medicine and completed his residency in surgery at the Hospital de Clínicas in 1954. Ruben moved his young family to the United States where he completed a surgical fellowship at the Sloan Kettering Memorial Cancer Center in 1955. He moved to Wilmington to continue his surgical training until 1960. He practiced surgery and surgical oncology passionately for 43 years until his retirement at the age of 83.

Ruben had an energetic, romantic and pioneering spirit and was an active member of the medical community. He was among the first surgeons in Delaware to dedicate himself to surgical oncology and had a special interest in breast cancer. He co-founded the Tumor Registry of Delaware, was past president of the Delaware Chapter of the American Cancer Society and was past president of the Delaware Academy of Medicine. He was a member of numerous task-forces and committees in the area of cancer prevention and treatment.

Ruben is remembered for his passionate care, powerful personality, humorous stories, love of cooking, many varied interests, and his love of the United States. He was devoted to Sara, his wife of 69 years, whom he met as a medical student in Paraguay. They raised six children in the home they have lived in to today: Gilda, Xavier, Monica, Michael, Mercedes and Sara. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Ruben was an avid reader of history and other non-fiction and amassed a fine library of historical books he counted on as companions in his last years. He asks that unreturned books be kept in his memory.

Ruben co-founded the Fundación Panambí, which has provided support for medical treatment, equipment, and supplies to the disadvantaged and indigenous people of Paraguay.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church, 10 Old Church Rd., Wilmington, DE 19807 at 10:30 am on Saturday December 16. Relatives and friends may call at the church from 9:30-10:30 am. Interment follows Mass at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Cemetery which adjoins the church.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the Fundación Panambí, https://www.fundacionpanambi.org/take-action/.

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Funeral Services

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church, 10 Old Church Road, Wilmington, DE 19807 at 10:30 am on Saturday December 16. Relatives and friends may call at the church from 9:30-10:30 am. Interment follows Mass at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Cemetery (adjoining the church)

Condolences

Bob Pegritz writes,

Ruben Teixido was my surgical father. From the moment I stepped foot into the Wilmington Hospital in June, 1977, it was easy to see that Ruben's obvious care for his patients was legendary. And that same care transcended to his colleagues and friends. He was a master surgeon and I had a front-row seat to witness the countless numbers of patients who, after Ruben's surgical interventions, lived out many more cancer-free years. The door to his office was always open, regardless of the time of day. And, the door to his home was just as open. If anyone chooses to read these poorly expressed words of mine, I'd like them to remember the one word that he stood by his entire professional and personal life: integrity. And yesterday, as he passed through the gates of Heaven and looked directly in the eyes of his Father, I can imagine his first words being, "where is the kitchen?" My heart is truly broken. I shall miss my dear, dear friend.

12/13/2017 08:13 pm

LAURA Shorter lit a candle and writes,

Awesome compassionet person and doctor Mom trusted him and he did so well with her. He was always good to my family. Godspeed

12/14/2017 07:37 am

Margaret Campbell Alderson writes,

Dear Sara and family: My father, Jason and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to you and yours. Ruben and dad have been friends for many years. When I told him of Reuben's passing his remark was" He was a great man". Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Jason and Peggy

12/14/2017 08:52 am

Jack hyde lit a candle and writes,

Xavier- Our condolences on the loss of your father. I have fond memories of you and your family going all the way back to the Rehoboth days in the 60's on Stockley Street. Our thought and prayers are with you and your family. Jack and Denise Hyde

12/14/2017 02:18 pm

Feffie Barnhill writes,

Rubin was a great father to his children. I had the pleasure of growing up with Gilda and Tex. I will always remember going to his office and he pierced my ears with an ice cube. I know he will be missed by all the family and friends whom he influenced.

12/14/2017 03:24 pm

John Romagnoli writes,

Dear Teixido Family, We keep you all in our prayers.

12/14/2017 04:15 pm

Greg Maliken lit a candle and writes,

Xavier & the rest of the Teixido clan, RIP Ruben. In 1975 you helped me past Hodgkin's Disease and gave my life a second chance. Always appreciated your expertise and confidence. Tex-prayers to you & your family as you go through this difficult time. Long live the memories. Greg Maliken Amherst, NY

12/14/2017 04:35 pm

Kirsten Cerchio O'Quinn lit a candle and writes,

Sara and Family: Sending you our deepest sympathies during this time. Your father made an impact in our community that will be felt forever. Lots of love to you all.

12/14/2017 04:53 pm

Anne Oldach lit a candle and writes,

He has left a great legacy in his great family. He must have been so proud of all of you. The gifts of his generosity and spirit will live on. We are all lucky so lucky to know this legacy. I salute him and Sara for nurturing the grace and wisdom in all of you. Anne

12/15/2017 04:02 am

Marianne Starkey Murch lit a candle and writes,

My deepest sympathy. Dr. Teixido was one of the first surgeons I met as I started my career at the Wilmington Hospital many, many years ago. Fondly , Marianne Starkey Murch

12/15/2017 05:41 am

Liz Ferreira lit a candle and writes,

Que en paz descance y que brille para él la luz perpetua. Amén

12/15/2017 06:38 am

Mr. & Mrs. Wm. Lewis writes,

Our heartfelt condolences to the family. May the God of all comfort give you the strength to endure. Wishing you much peace and love. 2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4

12/15/2017 08:57 am

Barbara Russell lit a candle and writes,

I remember spending time with Teixidos when Monica worked with us at South Shore Marina. A fine man, great cook and loving family man. Sorry for your loss!

12/15/2017 10:30 am

Barbara Russell lit a candle and writes,

Spent time with the Teixdo family when Monica worked with us at South shore Marina. A fine man, great cook and he got us started on growing Stevia on the farm.

12/15/2017 10:38 am

Brenda and John Kearney writes,

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. He was an amazing man. So many memories to share and hold in your hearts. I thank him for giving us your beautiful family and my dear friend, Sara. xo

12/15/2017 01:24 pm

William Scarbrough writes,

The first time I met Ruben I was invited by his daughter Sara and her bf Joe to meet the family. Ruben was holding a magazine in his hand carefully looking at a picture. Sara told him that I enjoyed photography and Ruben passed the magazine to me with the picture he'd been studying and asked me simply "carefully look at this picture and tell me, is this art or is it not art in your opinion"? I was admittedly dumbfounded, here was a gentleman who was perhaps the best or at least one of the best surgeons in his field asking me my opinion about something that he was a fan of. Ruben, as I would learn later, was an extremely intelligent and good hearted man who was genuineley interested in people and enjoyed the various talents or skills that we all possess to some degree. I gave him my answer and he replied "good, because you deeply looked inside of yourself before you answered". I didn't fully understand it at the time but was invited to the dinner table that evening with his family and several times afterwards. Then later to one of his birthday celebrations. Reflecting back, he didn't want just an answer, he wanted a well thought out "what does it mean to you" answer. To say I always enjoyed his conversations would not be doing him appropriate justice. I looked forward to every chance to talk and listen to what was inside, his thoughts about life and the world as well as his jovial spirit. I was officially indoctrinated into his "club" and felt accepted and have used that reference many times. Though I didn't know him for very long, the man I met was very kind, loved people, and appreciated what is inside each and everyone of us, sincerely. Some we cross in our life's journey are momentary and temporary, others have a deep profound impact. Ruben was by far the latter and I'm a better person for it. While Ruben's soul isn't where it used to be, it is inside each and everyone of us that he touched and for that I am grateful. My sincerest condolences to his family.

12/15/2017 01:46 pm

Mary Hickok writes,

Bob and I have wonderful memories of Ruben and his family from when we lived a few doors away. After our daughter spent a year in Spain in school we invited Ruben and Sarah for dinner and Elizabeth was going to make paella. Ruben arrived with a proper paella pan and really taught us how to do it right. We send our sincerest condolences to the family.

12/15/2017 03:45 pm

TED KESTNER writes,

Michael and family, Ruben was very kind to me when I came to Delaware as a young physician in 1975. I think that's just the way he was with everyone. I remember the last time I saw Ruben. It's at least several years ago. He was driving in our neighborhood after visiting a family across the street. The family had had a recent death. The daughter may have been an orthopedic surgeon. Ruben recognized me in the front yard and called, Hey. His window was down and we chatted awhile. He seemed fine at that time and was his old self - I had not seen him for awhile prior to that. I know that you will miss him - a fine physician and a fine gentleman.

12/15/2017 03:48 pm

Ted Jackson lit a candle and writes,

I will always remember this truly remarkable man. He was one of the most endearing people anyone could ever meet. He was passionate about life. I’m not sure one could actually put into words this mans essence. His contribution to many is boundless. Dr Teixdo helped me understand my Mothers illness after she was first diagnosed with cancer. He helped me understand what to expect. I’ll always be thankful for having had the pleasure of getting to know this remarkable man. We had many long conversations about photography as well. That in itself gives me a laugh as I am writing this. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

12/15/2017 10:47 pm

César López Bosio writes,

Una gran persona en todas las acepciones de la palabra. Hijo, padre, amigo, patriota, solidario. Gracias Ruben por haber existido. Fuiste una persona muy importante en la vida de mis padres y en Jade mi familia. Siempre con Maria Piedad tuvimos la tranquilidad de saberte cerca de nuestros hijos. Un abrazo Porota, extensivo para toda la familia. Cesar, Maria Piedad, Juanjo, Camión y Ale

12/16/2017 01:29 pm

Anthony Stella and Amy Vollmer writes,

To Xavier and family, What an amazing life your father led and such an admirable legacy! We know he was proud of you. Please accept our condolences - we know that the memories you all share will sustain you through your grief. Peace and love, Anthony Stella and Amy Vollmer

12/16/2017 03:22 pm

Ezio Reynaud writes,

My sincerest condolences to Xavier and family Ezio

12/16/2017 04:29 pm

Diane Wolf writes,

Dr. Ruben was a frequent and welcome visitor to the Wilmington Hospital Library when I served as the librarian. He lit up the library with his smile and warmth. I remember how excited he was when Paraguay was in the World Cup, although he lamented that I could not get the games on the library television... He and I had a running joke about how the library needed a wine bar, which I always said I would install as soon as he funded it. May the family be comforted by the fond memories of family, friends and colleagues.

12/28/2017 07:48 pm

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