Ruben Mercado Jr., age 62, of Middleville, passed away September 2, 2020, after a long battle with cancer. He was born July 13, 1958 in Germany and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He moved to Michigan when he was 16. He is survived by his parents Ruben Mercado Sr. of Arizona and Lucie Zanon of Oxford, NC; a brother, Robert Mercado of New York; two sisters, Rita DeNivo of New Jersy, Lisa Oswaldof North Carolina. He leaves behind three sons and one daughter, eight nieces, and nephews, six great-nieces and nephews along with many lifelong friends. He was a former employee of Sam’s Joint and the first employee at The Sand Bar and Grill in Middleville. Ruben was a calming easygoing man with a great big heart. His desire to make others happy was expressed through his pride and his passion for cooking. His serving heart will be dearly missed. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, at 2 p.m. at 4758 Princess Drive, Shelbyville, MI 49344.