Cecil Ruiz

Cecil Ruiz, known as Chiro to many, passed away at home in Greenacres, Florida on August 25, 2025. Chiro was born in 1934 in New York City. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Nancy, for 68 years and a loving and very involved father to his 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter.

Chiro grew up in the Vinegar Hill neighborhood near City College and attended high school in Washington Heights. He joined the US Army in 1953 at the age of 19 serving in Korea. He was assigned to the Army 565 Engineer Battalion and the 97th Engineer Company who helped rebuild Korea after the war. In one of his more challenging assignments, Chiro loved to tell the story of being asked by his commanding officer to pick up Debbie Reynolds who’d come to entertain the troops.

In October 1958, Chiro married the love of his life, Nancy, at St. Elizabeth’s Church in Washington Heights. They later moved to New City, New York and together they raised three children.

Chiro was a tireless worker, proud supporter of his family and role model to many. He worked as a New York City bus driver for over 25 years moving up the ranks to eventually, not only drive, but also train new drivers. He told many stories of celebrities who he’d regularly drive along his longtime route up 5th Avenue. When he retired from NY Transit, he served as an officer of the court in the Rockland County Courthouse.

When not working, Chiro spent countless hours coaching both son’s baseball and basketball teams, taking many teams to championships. He was his kids #1 fan! He also was a formidable windmill pitcher in fast pitch softball.

An avid NY Yankees fan, Chiro loved to tell stories of the times he spent with his dad, Pops, at Yankee Stadium watching the players from Lou Gehrig (Pop’s favorite) to Joe DiMaggio (Chiro’s favorite). Later in life, Chiro would proudly sit in his Yankee adorned recliner and “help” Yankee managers coach their team from afar!

After supporting all three children through college and seeing them thrive in successful careers, Chiro retired at age 60 at which time he and Nancy moved to their idyllic home in Greenacres, Florida. Chiro and Nancy have been blessed with the love and friendship of many dear friends. They are devoted churchgoers as members of St. Matthew Catholic Church.

Chiro is predeceased by his parents – Cecil and Inez Ruiz, and countless life-long friends. He is survived by his wife Nancy, sons Robert (Sheri) Ruiz of Sarasota, FL, Edward (Michelle) Ruiz of Rochester, MI, and daughter Donna (Peter) Urbain of Western Springs, IL. A proud grandfather, beloved “Poppi” will be missed by Caitlin (Brian) Powers, Jessica (Jake) Czmer, Kevin (Rachel) Urbain, Charles (Madeleine) Ruiz, Calvin and Casey Kreuser and great-granddaughter Evelyn Marie Powers.

Chiro will be laid to rest with honor at Sarasota National Cemetery on August 29th. Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at St. Matthew Catholic Church located at 6090 Hypoluxo Road, Lake Worth, FL at 11:00 am on Friday September 5th. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Covenant House New York. Arrangements are coordinated by Tillman Funeral Home, West Palm Beach, FL.