Juan Manuel Rueda

May 3, 1947 - March 6, 2020
Juan Manuel Rueda

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Juan Manuel Rueda passed away March 6, 2020 in Wilmington, NC. He was born in Bogota, Colombia on May 3, 1947 to Roberto and Ines Rueda. He was married to Joan Shaw Moffett Rueda on March 19, 1992.

Survivors include: Leyla Lombana, Alberto Sanchez, Sergio Danilo and Laura Sanchez; Siblings: Amparo Rodrigo and Chica Rueda.

He loved music, playing the guitar and piano at St. Mark’s Catholic Church and working at McDonald’s on Eastwood Road. He loved the Lord and shared that love as he worked at Surgical Associates of Wilmington and Wilmington Hilton Hotel as a Greeter.

Juan will be remembered as a man who loved everyone that passed through his life journey. He was loved by all, especially his children from McDonald’s and his friends and patients at Wilmington Surgical Associates, Inland Greens, and his many pickle ball partners. His motorcycle with side car and dog “Lucky” as co-pilot will be missed throughout the Wilmington area.

A memorial mass will be Thursday, March 12, 2020, 9:30 AM, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church.
A Memorial Service will be held in Bogotá, Colombia at a later date with family and friends.

“Aloha My Friends”

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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington NC 28403 910.791.9099.


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  • March 08, 2020
    Dennis Anderson says:
    Juan, an amazing friend and mighty man of God will be missed by me and many others and welcomed in Heaven. He impacted myself and many others. When I felt down I would go and see him and I would feel so much better. One time he went to see his Dad who was 94. He showed his Dad the Star News artical about Juan and some of what he did in Wilmington. His Dad was so proud of him. He was sitting in his easy chair, looked up to Heaven and said I am ready to go. He died that minute. Another story; He was working at Landfall McDonald’s and a Real Estate Agent came into the Store saying she had a flat tire and was late for an appointment. Juan reached in his pocket and handed the keys to his car for her to use. Many other good stories regarding his love for people. I will miss you, Juan. Denny

  • March 09, 2020
    Diane Ashline says:
    Jaun was a great man and friend I enjoyed working at McDonalds for several years. He was always willing to help. Made each customer feel like family. At Christmas time he would bring in his guitar and serenade the guests with Christman Carols. People from out of state would came to see him when they were town on vacation. He will be missed.

  • March 09, 2020
    Henry & Suann More lit a candle:
    Lit since March 9, 2020 at 3:26:44 PM

  • March 09, 2020
    ROBERTO GIRALDO ARCINIEGAS says:
    Fall 1974, Washington DC. Juan drives in pouring rain. Taxis are rare. Someone hitchhikes. He stops. So he makes two trips to drive several members of the Boston Children's Hospital cardiology staff to a convention center. Great sympathy. He meets Alexander Nadas, then considered world’s top pediatric cardiologist. A few weeks later, his cousin Roberto arrives from Europe with his wife Christine and their baby Isabelle (9 months). The baby has a serious heart problem. The day after Juan has an appointment in Boston where Dr. Nadas examines the child. A year and a half later the baby will be operated in Boston and saved. No words enough to say “Thank you” Juan. Without you Isabelle wouldn't be with us. Today she has four beautiful children. The Giraldo Orban family from Belgium will never forget you.

  • March 10, 2020
    Mike & Cara Walz says:
    Remembering Juan: a friendly greeting for everyone, great smile, faithful dog Lucky in the sidecar, always willing to help others, loved playing pickleball with the ladies, just a super nice guy! Hope the ball will always be "right on the line" for you my brother. RIP.