Benjamin "Ben" Ruby, 80, passed away on April 25, 2021, after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. Ben lived a great life, enjoying each moment to the fullest. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 55 years, Susan (Morris) Ruby, and their 3 children: Ben Jr., Matt, and Christy. He is also survived by daughter-in-law, Stacy, and preceded in death by daughter-in-law, Kassie. "Poppy," as he was called, was adored by his 5 grandchildren: Katie, James, Thomas, Elijah, and Wren. He is survived by his many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Ben was preceded in death by his mother, Mary (Owens) Ruby, father, Robert Ruby, sister, Mary Davis, and brother, Steve Ruby. He was also preceded in death by lifelong close friends Rick Glemann and Jim Smith.

Ben was born on December 16, 1940 in Philadelphia, PA. Growing up in a Navy family, he lived in many places, such as California, Hawaii and Key West, FL. Ben and Susan raised a family in Miami and Boca Raton, and later resided in Delray Beach and Boynton Beach. Ben will long be remembered for his incredible intellect, honesty, and decency. A wonderfully open-minded person, he always spoke out for human rights, the underdog, and the downtrodden. More than anything else, he simply enjoyed spending time with his family. Ben also liked reading about astronomy and physics, completing New York Times crossword puzzles, keeping statistics on many sports, gardening, and playing golf. He really enjoyed playing golf with his close friend, and brother-in-law, Brian Morris. Ben was a terrific athlete growing up. He played many sports well, including baseball, bowling, and Jai Lai. He was a U.S. Army Veteran. He was a leader in the field of technology and information systems throughout his career, beginning his career with the Miami Herald and concluding it as director of technology for DHL, based in Fort Lauderdale. He will long be remembered by all that knew him for the love he so generously shared. He spent countless hours playing sports with his children, coaching sports, and attending each sporting or other event his children ever participated in. He donated his time to several charities, including as treasurer for the Sunrise Kiwanis Club in Delray Beach; and as coordinator for its yearly charity golf tournament at Delray Beach Country Club, which raised money for underprivileged children. He was a wonderful storyteller, and an even better listener. He would often say the best thing that ever happened to him was meeting the love of his life, Susan, on a blind date in 1965, arranged by lifelong friends Pat and Rick Glemann. We will miss you terribly, Poppy. So, to quote one of Ben's favorite songs, "Into the Mystic" by Van Morrison: Poppy, no worries, no more pain. Just "let your soul and spirit fly, into the mystic."

In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation in Ben's name to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network ( www.pancan.org ).