Dennis Ruber's Obituary
Dennis Ruber lived an abundantly full 86 years and died suddenly on May 6, 2026, cherished by everyone fortunate enough to know him. Born in 1939 in Chicago to Mae and Robert Ruber, Dennis spent his early childhood at his father's soda shop, equal parts helpful and mischievous, and already charming everyone around him. The arts found him early. As a teenager, he performed at Bar and Bar Mitzvahs and weddings and earned first place on Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour — a distinction that hinted at the larger-than-life presence he would carry throughout his life.
After graduating from Austin High School, Dennis apprenticed under his Uncle Max in the importing and exporting business. With an adventurous spirit and a razor-sharp mind, he and his lifelong best friend Richard Utinoff founded D & R Industries. Dennis traveled the world building an extraordinary business, most notably in billiards, and he never stopped moving.
In 1967, a blind date changed everything. Dennis met Marlene, the love of his life, and together they built a family rooted in love, laughter, and adventure. They raised three daughters whom they adored, and Dennis made sure those daughters saw the world. Italy, New Zealand, and the beloved Camp Ojibwa are just a few chapters of a travel story that never stopped being written.
Dennis was, above all else, a curator of experiences. For over 30 years, he orchestrated legendary river and ski trips across the country, often welcoming upwards of 30 people, because in Dennis's world, everyone was always invited. A lifelong Chicago Bulls superfan, he possessed a near-savant knowledge of the game. His love of live music was equally boundless, from taking his young family to a Chicago nightclub to see Sister Sledge, to whisking everyone to Las Vegas to see Bruno Mars for his 80th birthday. If something was worth experiencing, Dennis found a way to make it an event.
An avid poker player, Dennis was known everywhere he went — not just for his game, but for his gift. He had an extraordinary ability to make whoever stood before him feel like the most important person in the room. In 2007, he built his family home in the Columbia River Gorge, where some of his happiest hours were spent cooking his treasured omelets and hosting gatherings for the people he loved.
Dennis lived generously, loved openly, and touched so many lives. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marlene Joyce Ruber; his daughters Erika Ruber (AJ Johnson), Michelle Ruber (Klaas De Jonge), and Rana Ruber McCollom (Brad McCollum); his grandchildren Avery Ruber Johnson and Zander Ruber Johnson; and his brother Lyndon Ruber (Marsha Krinsky).
Rest in peace, Dennis. A true legend.
A Chapel Service will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Levitt-Weinstein Blasberg-Rubin-Zilbert Memorial Chapel, 18840 West Dixie Highway, North Miami Beach, Florida 33180 (305) 932-2700.
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