Dear Colleagues,

SORG-NA is deeply saddened to report that our Craniofacial Section Chair, Dr. Ramon L. Ruiz, recently passed away.  Ramon and his wife Laura started a family and adopted three beautiful daughters.  His love for his family and his daughters was unwavering, deep, and incredibly thoughtful. Ramon has an expansive network of family, friends, and colleagues whom he all adored. By all who knew him, Ramon was known for his exceptional story-telling ability, passionate views, and vibrant sense of humor. 

Professionally, Ramon was committed and dedicated to treating children. He began his career at the University of North Carolina and in 2007, developed a world-class Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery Program at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Florida. Over the course of his career, he treated over 8,000 children. He was known for his compassion, loyalty, relentless pursuit of excellence, generosity, elite clinical skills, and infectious smile. Additionally, he was a mentor and educator to many, including students and colleagues in his field, for whom he always made time to provide his undivided attention to listen, guide, and help in any way he could. Above all he exuded gratitude for all the people who crossed his path and the opportunities he was given. 

When diagnosed with cancer in May he made every effort to spend time with Laura, his daughters, family, and friends. Surrounded continuously by the love of family and friends, Ramon passed away on September 9, 2023, with Laura by his side. The funeral service will be held, September 30 from10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. M (ET) at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 526 North Park Ave Winter Park, FL.  A weblink for further information is provided below.

https://www.degusipefuneralhome.com/obituaries/Ramon-Ruiz-7/#!/TributeWall

Sincerely,

Paul S. Tiwana

Vincent J. Perciaccante