Mark Ruiz
May 14, 1979 - June 13, 2023
Mark Ruiz, age 44, of Newark, DE, passed away unexpectedly on June 13, 2023.
Born in Milford, DE on May 14, 1979, he was a son of Carlos and Gregoria Ruiz. After graduating from Sussex Central High, he went on to study Fine Arts at the University of Delaware and received his Master’s degree in Art Education at Delaware State University. Mark was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to travel to Japan in 2008.
He taught elementary art for 18 years, in both the Lake Forest School District, and most recently, at Old State Elementary in the Appoquinimink School District.
In 2008, Mark met Julie, and now have 2 beautiful children. He loved exploring and traveling with his family and was able to turn anything into an adventure. Mark most enjoyed being out in nature; hiking with his family, working in the yard, and in the past, practiced the art of Bonsai. Most recently, he was working on portrait painting, particularly of his children.
He is survived by his wife, Julianne; children Kyler (6) and Avery (3); parents, Carlos & Gregoria; brother, Edward; sisters, Wendy (Abraham) Rivera and Leslie (Usiel Chavez) Ruiz; parents-in-law, Ed and Suzanne Murphy; sister-in-law, Jackie (Tim) Murphy; brothers-in-law, Eric (Megan) Murphy and Josh (Molly) Murphy; 5 nephews; and 3 nieces.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 1 pm until 3 pm on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 3 pm. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mark’s memory may be made to the National Bonsai Society, 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002.
Christine Follman
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with Mark at Old State for the past 12 years, he will be truly missed.
Jasmyn Hart
I worked with Mark at Townsend Elementary and also Old State for 12 years. He was always so kind. He was also my son’s Art teacher for 2 years and my son adored him. My prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Gwen Marsh
I’m so sorry for your loss. I loved working with Mark the last few years at Old State.
Mark was a caring, gentle, quiet, talented man who let his gifts inspire his students in so many ways. Students loved being in his classroom. His passion shined through every interaction with students. He will truly be missed by so many.
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone during this difficult time.
Elisabeth vuckovic
Words cannot express how much he will be missed. My daughter had him this year and his love for art rubbed off on her. He was an amazing person and teacher. He will be dearly missed. Our prayers are with all of you.
M Kropiewnicki
Our condolences to the Ruiz family. We were fortunate to have Mr Ruiz teach our daughter from 1st- 5th grade at OSE. She adored him and looked forward to his classes. She will be a senior this year and still talks about his art “ no no’s”. He will always be thought of fondly in our home.
The Kropiewnicki Family
Dawna Eriksen
I taught with Mark at Townsend Elementary for 4 years and at Old State Elementary for 2 years. Mark had such a calm way with the students and managed his classroom in such a way that he made teaching look “easy”. The students loved him and loved spending time in his class! He was a kind coworker and excellent teacher. My sympathies to his family.
Dawna Eriksen
(First Grade Teacher)
Shelley Waters
Words cannot express how much my heart aches for your family. Mr. Ruiz taught all three of my children at Old State. He had a huge impact on my son who also shares a love of art. Our thoughts and prayers to your family during this difficult time. He will be missed.
Jennifer OBrien
I am so very sorry for your loss. I worked with Mark at Old State for the past 7 years. Every week I had students who stayed with him for their lunch. They loved learning from him. May he rest in peace.
Claudia Scibek
I taught with Mark at both Townsend and Old State. Mark was a kind and caring person and immensely talented. I was always amazed at the art projects the students would proudly display. My sincere condolences to the family.
Lorie Roe
We are so sorry for your loss! We loved “Mr. Mark”! His care and talents brought joy and inspiration to so many. My daughter loved his art classes and the special art projects he would plan for Suzuki Summer Camp. We also enjoyed his culinary skills on several occasions. He will be deeply missed. Our hearts and prayers are with you, the kids and entire family.
The Roe Family
Maria Torres
Lo siento mucho por su dolor tan grande. Tanto su corazon como su alma en estos momentos estan destrosado. Estan pasando por un momento tan dificil pero Gracias a Dios Mark esta en manos de Dios. Que Dios los bendiga y encuentren paz y tranquilidad y nunca pierdan la Fe en Dios.
Michelle Romeo
Mark was an amazing, loved teacher. He always held a sense of calm and peace around him. He will be missed very much!
Ciccone Family
We are so sorry for your loss. Our three daughters loved Mr. Ruiz as a teacher and a person. They would spend their recess helping him with younger classes. He practiced new face paint designs on them before school functions. As teachers, we will all miss his smile, caring and nurturing personality, and the positive impact he had and will continue to have on us through his memory. Many thoughts and prayers to your family during this difficult time.
Old State PTO
Mr. Ruiz was beloved by all of his students at Old State. He always brought an encouraging voice and opened up so many students to their own artistic abilities. He was an enthusiastic volunteer for our PTO, offering face painting at our yearly events and help with seasonal activities. He will truly be missed and remembered for his kindness, talent and dedication to our Old State students. May he rest in peace and to his family, we offer our most loving condolences during this difficult time.
Caroline Zeitler
My heart felt sympathy goes out to all of you. I was able to substitute for his classes and came to know him and his gentle approach to teaching and managing students. Many people may not know about his skill in fine arts, which reflected his precise approach and also love for art. He was truly a gifted artist and art teacher and loved by his students. Extending a virtual hug and deepest condolences.
Katie Riley
Mark. The best of the best of the best. That’s how he signed every email to his teammates. I was fortunate to work side by side with him for the last 10 years. However, he was the best of the best of the best. His quiet, private, humorous lifestyle was unmatched. I love how he loved his family, his students, his art. He will be tremendously missed. Your extended family is here. We love him and you all.
Lionel Thomas
Extending my deepest and most sincere condolences to the Ruiz family during this difficult time. Mark was such a kind guy. Blessings of strength and love to your family.
Skyler burns
I MISS YOU!
Ella Dean
We are so sorry for your loss. mr ruiz was a great artist, he had so many fun activities for us, he always new how to inspire us with his art