Richard L. Ruiz Sr, retired Port Authority of NY and NJ Police Captain, lost his battle against 9/11-related brain cancer after a long struggle. He fought with strength and determination beyond comprehension. Richie died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital at the age of 68. In the weeks leading upContinue Reading
Richard L. Ruiz Sr, retired Port Authority of NY and NJ Police Captain, lost his battle against 9/11-related brain cancer after a long struggle. He fought with strength and determination beyond comprehension. Richie died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital at the age of 68. In the weeks leading up to his death, the outpouring of prayers, love, and positive energy in the hopes of a miracle was overwhelming.
Richie lived a great life. Born in Venezuela in 1955, his parents Emilio and Barbara Joan Ruiz returned to NY when he was two. He and his sister and brother grew up in Laurelton and East Rockaway/Lynbrook NY. Upon graduation from Lynbrook High School, he enlisted in the army in 1974 and became part of the Army Security Agency. After his honorable discharge from the army, Richie began working at Pan American World Airways. While working full-time, Richie also attended college, Nassau Community College and Hofstra University and was proud to become the first in his family to earn a bachelor’s degree. Rich met his future wife, Elaine, at Pan Am. Rich always said that he knew she was the “one” from the first time he saw her. Rich and Elaine married in 1981 and enjoyed a lifetime of adventures. They traveled at every opportunity. They were also blessed with three children-Shawna, Katie, and Richard, whom they raised in Massapequa. His children and, years later, three granddaughters meant everything to him.
In 1985, Rich joined the PAPD. He spent most of his early career at JFK Airport, a place that was already home to him from his Pan Am days. On the morning of 9/11, he rushed to JFK for what became a seven-month assignment at Ground Zero, where he courageously worked at rescue and recovery. Even knowing what would happen to him 20+ years later, he loved his job and everything about it and would not have done anything different. The highlight of Rich’s career and a source of honor and pride was his time spent as the Motor Unit Sergeant. Richie was able to combine his love of motorcycles with the job he loved. Richie retired as a captain in 2011. Richie was a real American hero.
In retirement, Richie enjoyed spending time with family and friends, his dogs, golf, traveling, riding, and he especially loved being in his home in Ponte Vedra, Florida, watching Alabama football.
Richie is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Elaine, and their children Shawna (Bob), Katie and Richard, and three granddaughters, his mother Barbara Joan Ruiz, sister and brother. Richie was predeceased by his father, Emilio (Lou) Ruiz, who died on January 30, 2023.
He will be remembered by so many whose lives he touched and helped selflessly. He will be missed, loved, and thought of every single day.
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation in Richie’s name to: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s TNT https://pages.lls.org/tnt/li/wdw24/machatz, K-9 for Warriors https://donate.k9sforwarriors.org/ or the charity of your choice.
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