Frank Lawrence Ruiz

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Frank Lawrence Ruiz, wonderful father and treasured friend to so many.

Frank was born July 30, 1933 in Southgate, CA and gently passed at home on July 20, 2026 in San Diego with his family by his side.

Frank was a veteran who honorably served during the Korean war and held the important duty as a Yeoman in the U.S. Navy. He spent the last 55 wonderful years of his life residing in sunny San Diego (Rancho Bernardo), CA.

Frank worked as a telecommunications supervisor and began his career with Western Electric and continued on with them through the restructuring with AT&T before retiring. Frank was a hard worker before and after retirement and you'd rarely find him sitting down "burning daylight".

All who knew Frank would agree that he was a one in a million and possibly the most generous man you could have known. Frank will be remembered as a kind and warm hearted man whose door was always open and people knew they could stop by any time. He spent his time enjoying life's simple pleasures, and loved having people stop by to visit. He was an avid gardener, antique collector and a classic car enthusiast. He was, for many years, an active member of the Over The Hill Gang car club in San Diego county.

Friends and neighbors always enjoyed visiting with Frank and hearing his stories. He was well known for his exceptional gardening skills, notably his 10ft tall tomato plants producing perfect tomatoes and the Swiss chard he grew. He always gave the best quality and prettiest harvest away to friends, neighbors and strangers alike. No visitor ever left empty-handed. He always offered a cold beer to all who stopped by to visit and tour the garden and see his extensive collection of antiques that tastefully filled his modest home. Friends and neighbors often brought their family and friends to the house just to meet Frank and to "get the tour" of the garden and house and see his collection of antiques. The local community paper wrote an article about his museum like home.

Frank was also known for his great cooking and fun, lively gatherings at the house. People will forever remember Frank's famous garbanzo bean soup and rotisserie chickens. There was always great food, laughs and lighthearted good times spent with Frank.

He taught his kids so many important characteristics like generosity and honesty, hard work and how to be frugal. He often enjoyed sharing his garage sale finds with family and friends and showing off the asking price but would say "I didn't pay that much for it".

He was always willing to lend his tools and a helping hand (and a bit of sage advice too) to neighbors and friends as everyone knew he had more than one of everything. He did all his own home maintenance and everything he built he did so that it would never fall down or come apart.

Frank was preceded in death by his twin brother Fritz and brother Joe, as well as Doreen, mother of his children.

He is survived by his 3 children, Perry (Michelle) of Van, TX, Nick (Flora) of San Diego, CA and Felicia (Michael) of Big Sandy, TX. He was also Uncle Frank to a niece and nephews.

Frank had 6 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, as well as countless friends and those who considered him as family. His kindness, generosity, and friendship will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He will be forever remembered and deeply missed.

A service will be held on October 5, 2026.

There will be an indoor gathering starting at 10:00 AM with light refreshments at

El Camino Memorial - Park

5600 Carroll Canyon Rd.

San Diego, CA 92121

Followed by a gravesite service at 12:30 PM at

Miramar National Cemetery

5795 Nobel Dr

San Diego, CA 92122