Nicholas "Nick" Ruiz

Nicholas Ruiz exchanged this life for one in eternity on May 1st, 2026 at the age of 79. He spent his last days on earth in his home, surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren in Phoenix, Arizona.

Nick, as he was known, was born July 26, 1946 to Teodora and Nick M. Ruiz in Globe, AZ. The Ruiz family moved from Miami, Arizona to Phoenix where Nick, the eldest of 10 children, attended P.T. Coe Elementary School, Carl Hayden high school and Phoenix College before proudly enlisting in the United States Navy where he served as a Radar Navigation Operations Specialist on the USS Tripoli. Nick received the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal as well as a Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Nick started a legal process serving business, Gotcha! that he operated alongside his wife, Alice. In later years, he enjoyed a lengthy career as a realtor in the Phoenix area.

Nick was a devoted Catholic lector as well as being active in prayer groups and church life. Helping the homeless and spreading the Word of God was of utmost importance to him. Nick was a devotee of The Chaplet of Divine Mercy, a dedicated husband, father and grandfather who loved reading, history, singing and telling jokes.

Nick was preceded in death by his parents, Teodora and Nick M. Ruiz, as well as his younger brother Arthur.

Nick entered Heaven ahead of his loving and dedicated wife, Alice, son, Gabriel, daughter Stephanie, their grandchildren Zachary, Amanda Mia and Paige. Nick is also survived by his brother Ron (Nancy), sisters Darlene (John), Candace (Fritz), Regina (Larry), Vanessa (Reiner), Abby (David), Roxanne (David), Althea (Ralph) and their families.

On Monday, May 11th, a Christian celebration of Nick’s life will begin at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix, AZ. 9am-930am Visitation. 930am-10am Chaplet of Divine Mercy (Rosary). 10am-11am Funeral Mass. Final internment service will be held at Saint Francis Catholic Cemetery located at 48th St. and Oak. A reception and celebration of life will continue at The VFW Post 720 at 4853 E. Thomas Rd. 85018 from 12:30pm-430pm.

In honor of Nicholas Ruiz’s life, please feel free to donate in his name to his favorite charity of 30 years, the Andre House organization at https://andre-house-of-hospitality.givecloud.co/fundraising/forms/PYEVM6DX that feeds, clothes, laundry and shower service for the homeless located at 213 S. 11th Ave. 85007