During my time at MRY, Nick was the life force of the agency. He ignited our spirits every day as both our barista and unofficially, as the party starter! I remember him dancing on our desks wearing a feather boa and high heels. I've never laughed so hard! He was ridiculous, in the best way. Nick was a character, of course, but he was also a very kind person. We will all miss his positive spirit and energy!

Dear Nick,
We will miss you so much and will always think of the great times we spent together.   You were a special person and bright light for all of us.   You will be in our hearts for forever.   We will never forget.

Our deepest condolence to all who loved Nick so much.
The Rivera Family,
Stephen, Maria, Stephen, Christopher, Victoria and Michael

MY DAUGHTER LAURA AND I RESIDED  NEXT DOOR TO NICKS GRANDMOTHER WHEN NICK CAME TO VISIT HER HE WAS SO HAPPY AND ALWAYS HAD HER LAUGHING. NICK LOVED HER SO MUCH .HE HAD A PERSONALITY THAT LIT UP A ROOM. EVERY PERSON  WHO NICK CAME IN CONTACT WITH ADORED HIM.I AM HEARTBROKEN FOR HIS MOM DAD AND SISTERS AND FAMILY. NICK YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN

What an honor it was to have known Nick. A bombastic force of a person, a truly unique energy. Shine on, the world is dimmer without you. 

Nicholas. Daddy. Snack. 
There is no other • May your name ring like a bell that resonates throughout all of time.  You are a monkey, musician, and magician, all in one. Truly a gift to all. Your wild and fearless heart is the very thing that has connected us to you. So stylish & bold, I can't look away. Talented, authentic, charismatic, and a true mystic. My eyes follow you around the room. Your training and self discipline was not for the weak. Being your accomplice and drummer these past 14 years without doubt takes the cake. Watching you perform has been the ultimate delight. Admirable, meticulous, and always in your element. You are a visionary who is vicious in the execution of their art. To close the curtains now feels so wrong ; but you would leave us all wanting more. I am so sorry I didn't come to see you last week. I am so insanely proud of you and who you are. My heart aches for you, your family, Penelope, and childhood tribe. 
   The gratitude I have for you knows no bounds. I will cherish your every word. You would think I'd be ecstatic to have gained such a radical  angel. Newly divine guidance should feel like a blessing in disguise.  But what I really want is for you to choke me with a boa and dance until the sun comes up. I want us to drum until our hands bleed. You have lived a thousand lives in one. You have set all of our hearts on fire. It has been an honor and privilege to love you. Thank you for loving me. 

Please give pupper Patrick a big wet from us all 💋✨


Nick was larger than life, this whirlwind of joy, and the most amazing person to be around.  I met him at a digital agency in NYC in 2014 or 2015. Everyone there loved him, and he was always full of this contagious positive energy. 

I remember distinctly thinking I was definitely not cool or interesting enough for him to give me more than the time of day, lol, but he was just as lovely and generous with me as he was with my other more fashionable & exciting colleagues.

And while I recall admiring how he seemed to get on with everyone in the office, I have this one very specific memory of him...

I was an avid runner when I knew Nick, but started developing pains in one of my feet, which I later found out was from type of bone growth / arthritis.  I was chatting with him one day at work, as most of us did, about our days - he was as he always was, engaged but in flow, talking but doing, until I mentioned that my podiatrist recommended I get my foot issue treated with surgery, which I had been told was a very low risk procedure.

I remember this moment because up to that day I had only experienced the one side of Nick.  So I said what I did, and he paused the 5 other things he was doing to come up to me.  I was chatting with him across a counter, and he leaned onto that counter. He looked at me very seriously and said that my feet are what ground me and to not get any surgery on them without a second and third opinion. I think it was around this time that I had learned he was a classically trained dancer, which made his advice hold so much weight.  So we chatted a bit more, and then we went on with our days. I did take his advice in the end & didn't proceed with the surgery. 

It was such a trivial conversation really, that memory I have with Nick, in the grand scheme of things, but it has stayed with me even until this day.

Nick and I weren't close, but I feel so extremely lucky that I met this beautiful human.   My thoughts are with those closest to him.

Sending love, light and strength to family & friends today - this is a devastating loss that will take us time to comprehend and heal. Abundant Amazing Memories will live on to remind us how blessed we were to know him…may we get through this sad day, near and far, feeling connected to the best of what life means thanks to our dear Nicholas 

Nick was a true manifestation of joy. His boundless enthusiasm turned the banalities routine life into something fun, creative, and even magical. When  our company had an ice skating party, Nick insisted we go as Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan (he was Tonya, obviously, and no it wasn’t a costume party). His joie de vivre was like nothing I have encountered before or since. It was also clear how much he loved his family and I am so deeply sorry for your loss. What an unforgettable spirit. 

This one here will be so sorely missed. The way he made me laugh and smile. SOOO LOUD but I wouldn’t have it any other. Someone who had such amazing wisdom and insight that I appreciated although he’s my junior. A truly amazing friend. So talented and inspirational with how hard he loved. I can still hear his voice when I think of him and probably always will. Thank you so much for all that you taught and shown me. You will be missed.  R.I.P. 

Dear Family,
Nicholas was such  a special person.  He had so many gifts and talents. Nicholas lit up any room he entered and will light up heaven💙
with love, Jack and Diana

Dear Nick's Family 
My life has been immeasurably enriched by Nick. Having been a mentor since his high school days -- his extreme talent & intelligence was obvious, thrilling, intoxicating and inspiring.     The depth of my grief is only exceeded by thousands of loving memories. 
Sending much love and healing light 
Randy James 

Dear Ruiz Family,
My heart goes out to all of you in this difficult time. ( I am a co-worker of Alyssa at Kohl's. ) I can only imagine how difficult this may be and hope that in time your love for one another will help to heal the loss of Nicholas.  My condolences on your loss.  
Sincerely,
Christy Free

I'm so sorry for your loss. Nicholas was such a wonderful person.  I met him at Danielle and Matt's wedding. He was so funny and always lit up the room with his presence. May he rest in eternal peace.  My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.  My sincerest sympathy,
Michele Quinlan ( Joanne Fuentes' sister)

Nick always had a smile for those of us that have walked through his life.  He truly is unforgettable!
May the Lord send you peace during this difficult time.

With Sympathy and Much Love,

Cynthia Romeo (McGrane)  

Nick was the most charismatic, talented, passionate and unique person I have ever known. He left an impression on every person he met, he made people feel good. 

There will never be another Nick. He was truly one of a kind once in a lifetime soul and I'm so happy our paths got to cross when they did. 


"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." - Kahlil Gibran

Nick was sunshine, happiness, fun and generous. He was smart, talented and a great listener. We spent so much time in my back yard he was my pool boy he would say.  He was that little boy at Carpenter school that danced and sang,  and rolled his eyes at the teachers, he was the kid that made a movie at my house and put powder all over my bathroom because he was Betty Davis. He was the man that made my family happy and smile.  He will be missed, so sorry for your lose. 

Nick left a huge impression on me and everyone he encountered. He lived life to the max (more than anyone I know!). He invented the job title, Fun Ambassador at the ad agency where we met. He had so much to give, as a talented ballet dancer, actor, drummer, promoter, barista and most importantly, friend. He’d add chocolate sprinkles to my cappuccino (Aussie style) and imitate my accent by saying it had ‘frothy bits’! 
After I left the ad agency, I worked for JetBlue and I gave him a buddy pass to fly to Miami. I told him he had to be properly attired so that they’d let him onboard and my flight benefits were not rescinded. He flew back from Miami to New York dressed in a black, skin tight fishnet dress complete with a blue wig, having performed the night before and stayed out all evening. He said that the fllight attendants loved him! No one else I know, has ever inspired such a universal love. He had style, grace and charm. I miss him dearly.  Thinking of the whole family and sending deepest condolences.

Dori, Carlos

Ana, Olivia and I are shocked and Saddened at your  loss.  It’s hard to imagine that someone so full of love and life is no longer with us.

Words fail is when it comes to properly expressing our Grief 

We love you guys and our prayers go with you.

Palacio family 

Dori Rosebush, Carlos, Alyssa, Maru, Dana, and to be honest everyone who has ever crossed Nicky's path this is a loss. The world will forever be dimmer now, without his personality filling any room he enters. 
Rather than mourn for too long, let's fulfill our lives living his legacy of enjoying every moment, making the best of it all, and finding the joy and color in all of our days. 
250 Cindy Street will be a lot quieter without you busting through its doors shouting "Jackie Murphy can you hear me" "Deniseeeeyyyy where are you". I will forever tell the Pretty Pretty Princess story because Alyssa and I could never win with you around, you needed all the pearls, crown, and high heel shoes for yourself. There was no one better to go to Cher's 15th farewell concert to than you. We danced the entire night, and perhaps were embarrassed to know more songs than people double our age. 

Your artistry began in dance. No one compared to you in tap. And to get a scholarship to Mason Gross speaks volumes of how amazing you were. You never stopped creating and evolving and I will envy your ability for those crafts forever.

Life is so short. As we go on and carry your memory and tell your stories, I promise to make the most of it and find the color in each day. 

Nicholas and I met at ABC Cocina in 2013 and became immediate friends. I have never met someone with so much vibrancy, so much life and a love for brightening up everyone’s day. He ran that restaurant, everyone knew him and loved him. Even after I left Cocina we consistently spent time together. I remember taking silly videos, that I will continue to watch for the rest of my life. I remember bringing my mom to meet Nicholas and they swore they had met in a past life. I remember FaceTiming him last Halloween and instead of joining the party we ended up talking about life for 2 hours. He loved Halloween. I remember taking him as my date to my company’s holiday party and he wore an all leopard print suit and everyone at the party wanted to be his best friend. Everyone always wanted to be around Nicholas. His bright light will never fade. Nothing can be created or destroyed and it’s for sure that Nicholas’s spark will live on and continue to bless us with energetic presence. But I will miss his physical presence every day. Sending love to friends and family who were lucky enough to encounter his beautiful soul.

Nick was one of my favorite people I've ever worked with. He brightened every room he walked into and immediately filled it with laughter and joy. I'm so so sorry for your loss. He was one of the most beautiful people I've ever met. 

I have only known Nikee for just over a year and have lost an amazing and unique friend…

Nikee and Penelope became part of my life, the great times and kindness shared, especially during the times we go through were the most heartwarming.

Nikee´s incredible creativity,  musical talents and presence brought so much great moments that are now memories,

This sudden silent is nothing but pain

Rest in Peace  my Friend 

Love, Alain 

To Nick’s Family,

I knew Nick at Rutgers. I was one of his professors. He was much beloved by students and teachers alike. In my classes, Nick pushed boundaries, defied limits, and very often made us all laugh until we cried. My life, (and I think I speak for others in our community who knew him) has been made brighter and richer because he was in the room with us then. For that, I am grateful, and I am so happy to have known him. I send you my deepest condolences for your loss. I will always remember his beautiful spirit!!

Raegan Wood

To Nicky’s family, friends and all who loved him… We can’t even begin to put into words the sadness we are feeling right now. We met Nick playing drums in a club in Jersey City. He asked to sit and play with us and the rest is history. He became one of our most talented drummers and a favorite performer at all of our shows. He was magical. Not only was he incredibly talented as a musician and dancer but his charm and charisma disarmed even the toughest critic! He was the life of the party… he actually WAS the party! As a group we had the most amazing time traveling and performing. The memories we made together are some of our favorite memories. The laugh attacks at Nick’s expense were epic! We laughed until we cried and fell over so many times. 
Nicky was our “Brother in Boom” and he was truly the best of us. Never have we met anyone so caring, so loving and so amazingly talented. He took care of us and always made sure our group was good. 
To his family, we want to thank you for making such a beautiful human being. What an honor it was to know him and to share his time here on earth. We share your pain and are filled with sorrow knowing we’ll never see him again or laugh with him again. We will cherish every memory of him and will remember him as the most special person. Truly once in a lifetime kind of friend… we only wish he wasn’t taken from us so soon. 
Sending you all big hugs, may his laughter continue to resonate in all of our hearts forever. We love you so much Nicky! Dance with the angels dear friend until we dance again ❤️


 I worked with Nick at MRY, and like so many have the best memories of our time there together. Nick radiated joy and spread so much love to those around him. He always made you feel like you were in on whatever was happening, even if you weren’t. What a devastating loss but what a life lived. Nick will be greatly missed and so fondly remembered. <3 Katherine

Dear Carlos,  Dori and family:
We are so sad to hear about your son Nick's  passing.
We had the opportunity to meet him at Betty's house and yes he was dancing!
May he  continue dancing in heaven.
We pray for God to help you in this very sad moments.
Rest in peace Nick.
Vivian and Robert Rodriguez 
(Talia's parents)

My deepest condolences on your loss. I worked with Nicolas at MRY and he was a ray of sunshine, always bringing positivity and making everyone laugh. He was such a pure and caring soul and left his mark on many people. He will be greatly missed and always fondly remembered. <3 Donya

I'm so deeply saddened by Nicholas' passing. I worked with Nick in restaurants, and I have so many wonderful memories of him. He was such a bright light. His humor could turn even the most stressful work night around. There were many times we would laugh so hard we'd start to cry. Nicholas took me to the disco and taught me how to hustle. The way he could command a dance floor was incredible. He made everyone's day better, just by walking into a room and being his effervescent self. I am sending all of my love to his family and all those who knew and loved him.

Dear Carlos, Dori, Alyssa, Maria, Dana and family,
    There are absolutely no words that can express our sympathy and we are completely heartbroken to hear of sweet Nick's passing.
His vibrant smile, loving heart and joyous personality will forever be in our hearts. May God hold you in His healing hands and bring you comfort, peace and understanding. 
We send you all our love and prayers and are here for you anytime.
Love and blessings,
Tony, Talia and Brandon Garcia

A most memorable and unique human being……once met, you never forgot his effervescent presence. I knew Nick as a dance student at Rutgers. Teachers never forget those who flicker brightly. I am so happy I was able to witness Nick’s vitality for life. I send heartfelt condolences to his dear family.

Paulette Sears

Dori, Carlos, Alyssa, Paul, Maria, Dana, Lily and Nathan. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Nicholas was that one in a million. Everyone that came into contact with him was immediately mesmerized by the brilliance of his beautiful personality.  He literally lit up a room. I loved listening to his jokes, stories and point of view. He will truly be missed by all. May God comfort you and bring you peace during such a difficult time. 

Dear Ruiz family,
I’m crying as I write this because I can’t stop thinking about what a hard time this must be for you all. Nick, and all of you, are like family to me. How many early Sunday dinners, nights in your backyard, bbqs, etc with him and all of our friends..I remember one time forgetting which house his aunt lived in on Buttonwood when you guys had a bbq.. first, I accidentally went in the wrong house. Then I went back outside and just listened. I waited til I could hear Nick because he was always the one making the most noise 😂. My method worked pretty well. 

I’m just so heartbroken for all of you. Thank you for bringing Nick into this world, he was one of the greatest people. There was no room he couldn’t light up.  No person he couldn’t make smile. He was truly rare and unmatched. 

Sending my love to you all. My warmest hugs and deepest condolences. -Niki

I met Nicky on the dance floor at The Monster 12 years ago. He came up to Tim and I and said we danced like his parents. We become great friends after  that and we’d see each other on Tuesday nights for classic disco and I loved hustle dancing with him. He was as such a fabulous dancer and The Monster will not be the same without him. I will miss him so much. Nicky was so full of life and energy. RIP my baby. You were taken too soon. I hope you’re going to be dancing with Tim up there and visiting me. I will never forget you. You were a beautiful person and I miss you. 

Carlos and Dori,
Please accept the deepest condolences of the Ortiz family during this time . We love you deeply.

Love,
Louie and Bridget

Nicky,  it has been a blessing to  have seen your smile and talent through the years. Dance with the angels...You were in a word magic!  We will miss you and love you!  The Mapou Family 

Nick, you have no idea how many lives you have impacted and how many smiles you created with your amazing laughter, immense energy, and pure heart. You were more than a friend to me, you were like a brother and I will always remember every single memory we have: the good, the funny, the sad. I will cherish them all forever. Words will never express the love I have and will always have for you. I hope you are at peace and will know that every bright star I see shining down will be you looking down on us all.  To your family, we send you all our love during this difficult and challenging time.  
Love always, Molly and Kieran Bowbeer 

I knew Nick as a dancer and performer who was creative beyond his years in High School.  He was loved and respected by all the students around him and made the classroom more creative and alive by his mere presence.

Nick will  live on in our hearts as a shining star. He brought love, laughter and happiness to our lives and our daughter Molly's life.  This photo was taken the morning of Molly's wedding, when he made us laugh while easing the stress of the day! We will miss him. Godspeed Nick.  Our prayers are with you all.  
Gail and Jeff Galbraith

Sending my deepest sympathy to the entire  family.  Our hearts and prayers are with you all.  I will always remember Nick .  He always made me laugh and always a joy to talk to.  There are no words for this terrible sad passing.

With all our love,

Nick,  Prudence and Victoria Cavaluzzi

My Mrs.Doubtfire will never be the same.My heart hurts knowing you won’t be visiting me except in my dreams.Our Thelma and Louise road trip to Atlantic City singing Cher for Two hours will be forever in my heart and memories of you. I will always smile when I think of you.I love you today,tomorrow and always❤️🙏🏼💔 love your Sherri babyyyyyy!

Nicky had a sparkle in his eye and a sincere and genuine warmth and light around him.
He will be missed.

Nicholas was such a special person . He really was a bright light in this world . I will always remember all the wonderful summers we spent in Marco Island and how he would make us all laugh. Not only was he funny but he had a heart of gold .  There are no words to describe what a loss this is and I just pray for strength for his beautiful family and all of those who loved him . 

I had the privilege to get to know Nick when he moved to Miami I loved his spirit and how he loved life he was a beautiful soul taken way too soon I am very saddened by this news and send love and light to Dori and Carlos and all the family you will be missed Nick RIP ❤️🙏❤️

I didn't know him well, but whenever he showed up, you knew you were in the right place, at the right party. He was an absolute sweetheart, and the world is just a little dimmer, a little darker, without him. 

Our Sincere Condolences to the Ruiz family.  We were so sad to hear about Nicholas’ passing. We have such fun memories while visiting the Fuentes home and he would just light up the room with interesting and quite funny conversations.  May he Rest In Peace. 

Sincerely
Marcia, John and Jack 

We are so sorry for the loss of such a vibrant soul. We loved Nicky very much and will miss him dearly!  Our hearts are broken for the family. 💔💔💔💔

Nicholas was a bright light in my life.  From the moment I met him at age 3, I remember him to be a character who loved to be around his sisters and their friends. I remember one time in particular his sisters and my daughter were playing school and he wanted to join them, so they gave him the part as the school janitor. Nicholas became a special part of my family and we loved having him around and enjoyed his company so much. He would come over to my house and we would chat, laugh and tell our crazy family stories. His joy was captivating. I will miss my sweet Nicholas so much but I know he is giving those Angels a run for their money.   Love you my sweet Nicholas…Thank you for the joy you brought into our lives. 💙

My deepest sympathy are with you and your family at this time. If there is anything I can do to help you please feel free and contact me. 
My your son RIP and always be with you in your memories and heart. 

Bryan Epstein 
Credit Agricole 

I remember meeting Nicky  when the kids were in elementary school and seeing him at practice for the talent show.  He was always an amazing person and its been my pleasure to see him grow 
from that smiling little boy right up until 3 weeks -ago when i saw him last.    He will be missed by so very many people as his life was so multi -faceted and his talent incredible and awe inspiring. None will miss him more than his beautiful family who supported him through his very many endeavors. He always made me smile and i will forever remember his smile as well.  Rest easy my friend and say hello to our others when you meet up with them. xox

OBITUARY

Nicholas C. Ruiz

May 13, 1989 – November 13, 2021

Harmon Funeral Home

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