Jose Luis Ruiz

 With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of our beloved José Luis Ruiz on February 8th, 2025. José, also affectionately known as Pepé, was born in Havana, Cuba on October 7th, 1938 to Ofelia Hernandez and José Luis Ruiz. As a young man, José studied at the Institute of Havana, and later he began managing his father’s restaurant and bar named El Café, located in the business district of Havana. 

  In 1958, José met Vivian Victoria Canales and they were later wed on May 7th, 1961. Shortly after, they became parents to Marlene and Ivonne, and raised their family until moving to the United States in 1967, where they began a new life in Providence, Rhode Island. Within a week of arriving in Providence, José began working at Bulova Watch Company, while simultaneously working another part time job and then eventually starting his own jewelry business. 

  In 1978, they welcomed their third daughter, Alina, shortly before moving to Boca Raton, Florida. Once getting settled in Florida, José continued with his jewelry business, which he maintained until he retired in January 2019. 

  José was a loving husband, cherished father and grandfather who will be dearly missed. His loving and generous spirit touched the lives of many friends and loved ones throughout his life. He was a remarkable role model and steadfast example of perseverance, hard work, dedication, loyalty, and compassion. He is survived by his wife of almost 64 years, Vivian, daughters; Marlene (Gary), Ivonne (Julio), Alina (Joseph), grandchildren; Nicholas, Alexis, Isabella and Vincent, sister Zoila Ruiz, many half-siblings, and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 15 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Boca Raton.  Entombment will follow at The Gardens Memorial Park in Boca Raton.

The family requests expressions of sympathy be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

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