Bartolome Ruiz Velez

Bartolomé Ruiz Vélez, 92, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the Veterans’ Nursing Floor at New Bridge Medical Center, surrounded by friends and family. He was born in Isabela, Puerto Rico, on February 27, 1934, to the late Ermelinda and Leopoldo Ruiz Vélez.

From 1972 to 2000, he lived in Union City, Hudson County, New Jersey, where he worked as a caseworker for the Hudson County Welfare Office in Jersey City for over 25 years. During that time, he ran for the New Jersey Assembly and authored The Alpha and the Omega, a reflection of his deep commitment to thought, justice, and community.

In 1958, Bartolomé proudly joined the U.S. Army, serving for seven years between Puerto Rico and Panama as a 42A Administrative Assistant, managing soldiers’ pay and logistical support.

He married Aurora Pérez Martínez in 1964. Together, they had two children: Doris E. Ruiz and José J. Ruiz. After their separation in 1974, he later married the late Felicia Peña, with whom he had two more children: Deborah Ruiz and the late Carlos Ruiz.

He is survived by his daughter Doris E. Ruiz and her partner Virgen Guzmán; his son José J. Ruiz and his wife Aury Ruiz; his granddaughter Nataly Ruiz Ferrer; his daughter Deborah Moran and her husband Wilberto Moran and their daughter Kaylee Moran; and his stepson Luis Soto.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Felicia Ruiz, his son Carlos Marcos Ruiz, his stepson Nelfel Gotay, and his cherished sister and beloved aunt to many, Iris Ruiz Vázquez.

After retiring in the early 2000s, Bartolomé resided in Buffalo and Dunkirk, New York, before relocating to Spring Valley and later Paramus, New Jersey.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from La Universidad Interamericana in Ponce, Puerto Rico, where he formed lifelong friendships—especially with his dear friend Ludy and her sisters Lourdes and Silkia. During his university years, he was active in student government, passionately advocating for the disadvantaged and empowering his community—values he carried with him throughout his life.

Bartolomé was always the life of the party—full of humor, stories, and a spark for life. He once managed a salsa band under Cacique Productions, ran a coffee shop with bumper cars in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, and was a proud member of a college UFO club that traveled to Mayagüez in search of the unexplained. His thirst for knowledge, dedication to service, and contagious curiosity inspired everyone who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and strength. As he always said, “Enjoy life’s journey and take chances.” We know his soul is dancing somewhere. He will be deeply missed.

A visitation for Bartolome will be held Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675. A prayer service will occur Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675. A committal will occur Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery, 350 Province Line Rd, Wrightstown, NJ 08562.