It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Epifanio “Eppie” Ruiz, a beloved father, grandfather, brother-in-law, friend, and a man whose life was filled with family, hard work, sports, laughter, and countless memories.

Epifanio was born on December 19, 1939, in the Bronx, New York, to Epifanio Ruiz Sr. and Julia Ruiz. The Bronx would always hold a special place in his heart. It was there that he grew up, made lifelong friendships, and developed his passion for one of the neighborhood's greatest traditions stickball.

Known affectionately as “Little Cherokee,” Epifanio became well known for his love and talent for the game. His dedication to stickball was recognized when he was proudly inducted into the Bronx Stickball Hall of Fame in 1985. This was an accomplishment he could always be proud of and a testament to the lasting impression he made on the sport and the community he loved.

In 1974, Epifanio moved from New York to South Florida, where he would spend the rest of his life. He built a career in the import and export industry, working as a warehouse manager, where his strong work ethic, determination, and dependability served him well.

Sports remained an important part of Epifanio's life. His love went far beyond stickball. Throughout the years, he enjoyed both playing and watching tennis, baseball, and basketball. Whether he was on the court or field himself, watching a game, talking about sports, or sharing his memories of the days when he played stickball in the Bronx, sports were always a source of happiness and connection for him.

But as much as Epifanio loved sports, his greatest legacy was his family.

He was the beloved husband of the late Lucille Ruiz, his wife and lifelong partner. Together, they created a family and shared a life whose memories will forever remain treasured.

Epifanio leaves behind his son, Mark Ruiz, and his daughter-in-law, Karen Ruiz, who will carry his love and memory in their hearts. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Avery Ruiz and Arianna Ruiz, who brought him a special kind of joy and gave him the cherished role of grandfather.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Marie Russo, along with extended family and friends whose lives were touched by his presence.

There are some people whose absence leaves an emptiness that words cannot describe. Epifanio was one of those people.

His family will miss his stories, his personality, his sense of humor, his love of sports, and simply having him there. They will miss the little everyday moments that, at the time, may have seemed ordinary but now have become priceless memories.

Although his journey has come to an end, the life he lived and the memories he created will continue through his family. Every story about the Bronx, every memory of stickball, every game watched or played, and every moment shared with his grandchildren will help keep a part of Eppie alive for generations to come.

His beloved wife, Lucille, went before him, and now they are together again.

Rest peacefully, Eppie.

You were loved.You were admired.You were remembered.And you will never be forgotten.

Your legacy lives on in your family, in the stories we tell, and in the memories we will cherish forever.

Details of his Services are below. We invite you to express your sympathy and support to this family by leaving your expressions of condolences in our online guestbook.