Joseph Francis Ruiz

An outdoor visitation will be held at Willow Glen Funeral Home on Monday, December 21 from 11:00–11:30 am. Visitors have the option to stay in their cars to pay respects or may enter the visitation space, which will be held to Covid-19 protocols. A private family burial will follow.

Joe was born in San Jose, CA to Salvador and Wilma Ruiz on May 31, 1949. He attended Catholic schools his entire life, and was proud of his alma maters: St. Mary’s, Bellarmine College Prep (‘67), Santa Clara University (‘71) and Santa Clara University School of Law (‘74). Not one to venture far from home, he surprised his family by studying abroad in Rome, Italy for his junior year at Santa Clara and shared many stories (he loved to share stories) of his shenanigans during that time.

He married Carole Price shortly after college and started his legal career. They lived on Shasta Ave and then Janis Way, and shared many happy memories with their three daughters. Although they divorced, Joe and Carole remained friends and delighted in their children and grandchildren.

Joe entered the family business, Del Mutulo & Ruiz, in 1981 and helped his father and brother in the legal matters of their residential real estate company. “The Office” on W. San Carlos Ave was one of his happy places. The most loyal son and brother, Joe worked for his family up until his death.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, whom he cared for and was deeply devoted to, Salvador and Wilma Ruiz, and his uncle and namesake, Joseph Francis Ruiz.

He is survived by his three daughters, who were his pride and joy, Melissa Ruiz Burke (Damien), Julia Ruiz Hoffman (Christy) and Marya Ruiz; and son-in-law Casey Selfridge (Erin). His brother, favorite person, and business partner Sal Ruiz, whom he affectionately called “Kid.” His adoring grandchildren, who lit up his life: Lucia, Margaret, Liam, Cameron, Josie, and Dylan, who loved to visit Papa because of his undivided attention for them. He was a proud uncle to Sean and Tony (Sarah) Ruiz and Great-Uncle to adorable Wyatt. His devoted caretaker, Jessie, was by his side for twelve years, providing comfort and friendship while they watched the Golden State Warriors together. We are all better for knowing Joe.

Joe loved: La Villa in Willow Glen, where he and his brother would ride their bikes to as kids for a pint of their famous “ravs,” The Beatles, which he knew every trivia question imaginable, all things garlic, every episode of Seinfield, John’s Xlent Foods in Willow Glen, where he took his daughters for dinner on Wednesday nights, his father’s corny jokes, his mother’s Italian cooking, his brother’s “burn the bone!” bbqing, “Tour de Willow Glen” drives, and being around his grandchildren. Joe’s heart was big, his mind was brilliant, his perseverance was contagious and his positivity was constant. And, most important to him, his legacy of “family is #1” is lasting.