Ruben Omar Tornini was born on May 12, 1939, in Montevideo, Uruguay and moved to New York in 1961 seeking new adventures and opportunities.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was extremely dedicated to his craft, rising at the crack of dawn, drinking his coffee and mentally figuring out how to fix, create, build and make sure things worked. His work as a General Contractor brought him great joy and many deep, lasting relationships with his clients.


Ruben passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on September 27, 2024. He is survived by his wife Ana Maria Tornini; his children Lucy Waiting (Karl), Betty Lituanio (Nick), Ruben A. Tornini (Mickey), Valerie Tornini (Sabih), and Veronica Knight (Josh); his grandchildren Nick, Caity, Morgan, Gabby, Alessandra, Anthony, Becky, Daniella, Andrew, and Christian; and his great-grandchildren Madeline, Demi, Spencer, Sebastian, Charlotte, Tessa, Trip, Colette, and Scarlett.

A very charismatic man, he was also supportive, loyal and in the words of his beloved wife Ana, ‘a beautiful human being.’  Our master “Asador” was also a jokester with a dry sense of humor and was very generous in sharing his knowledge.  He has left a lasting legacy of great love in our lives and will be greatly missed. 

Memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity, ASPCA, or Halleck Creek Ranch.

Cremation Services Direct (843-651-1194) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is assisting the family with the arrangements.