Fabian Roberto Ruiz

Fabian “Nené” Ruiz was born on January 20, 1945, in the small town of Conchita, in the province of Matanzas, Cuba. The oldest of five siblings, Fabian learned at an early age the importance of family, responsibility, and looking after those he loved. Those qualities would remain at the center of his life. From a young age, he cared deeply for his brothers and sisters and took on the responsibility of helping to care for them after the siblings found themselves without their parents.

Fabian met the love of his life, Elia, when he was just 15 years old. As teenagers, they would find reasons to attend small parties in the nearby town of El Estante just for the opportunity to see one another. They married at the age of 19 and began a life together that would span more than six decades. They welcomed their first son, Roberto (“Robertico”), followed seven years later by their second son, Richanell.

Throughout his life, Fabian was defined by his devotion to his family and an extraordinary work ethic. He worked tirelessly to provide for Elia and their sons and took great pride in making sure his family was cared for.

In 1980, Fabian and Elia made the difficult decision to leave Cuba in search of freedom and a better future for their family. Fabian remained behind for a time so that his family could leave safely, enduring their separation until they were eventually reunited in New Jersey. There, he operated a neighborhood grocery store, working seven days a week from early morning until late in the evening. The bodega became a family endeavor, with everyone pitching in as they worked together to build their new life in the United States.

The family later made Miami their home. Fabian worked as a cameraman for Telemiami, a role well suited to his lifelong love of cameras, recording, and capturing the moments around him. Fabian also loved airplanes, and eventually found the opportunity to work at the airport alongside his son. He spent 14 years working for Continental Airlines and later United Airlines before retiring.

His years with the airlines also opened another chapter for Fabian and Elia, giving them the opportunity to travel the world together. After so many years devoted to working and providing for their family, they were able to share the joy of seeing new places and experiencing the world side by side. Fabian’s love of videography followed him wherever he went. Whether traveling, celebrating a special occasion, or simply gathering with family, Nené was so often the person behind the camera, recording the moments and people that mattered to him. In doing so, he left his family with memories of a life shared together, and countless moments preserved through his eyes for generations to come.

Above all else, Fabian was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and family man. He leaves behind his wife, Elia Ruiz; his son Roberto Ruiz and partner, Michael Hernandez; his son Richanell Ruiz and his wife, Aimee Ruiz; his grandchildren, Amanda and Aidan Ruiz; and his surviving siblings, Manuel “Manolo” Gonzalez and Patricia “Conchita” Gonzalez.

Fabian’s sister-in-law, Ana “Anita” Castañeda, and his cousin, Tamara Falcon, along with their families, were also an integral part of Fabian’s life and the family that surrounded him. Their presence, love, and support through the years reflected the enduring family ties that were so important throughout his life.

Those who knew Nené will remember a man who worked hard, sacrificed without hesitation, loved his family deeply, and spent his life looking after the people around him. From a small town in Matanzas to the life he built with his family in the United States, his story was one of perseverance, devotion, and love. His greatest legacy is the family he worked so hard to protect and provide for, and the love he leaves behind in all those whose lives he touched.