Carl Ruiz was a renowned celebrity chef who owned several well-established cafes and restaurants across the United States such as La Cubana restaurant in New York City. He was also a TV personality who appeared in many Food Network shows like Guy’s Grocery Games.
Tragically, the late culinary expert passed away unexpectedly at 44. Sources reported that Carl died of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In the article, we will further discuss how it all happened?
He previously married Marie Riccio. Did the former couple have any children? Know more about his family and other details!
When and How did Carl Ruiz Die?
Carl passed away on 21st September 2019, in Bel Air North, Maryland. He was just 44 at the time of his death. A spokesperson from the Maryland Department of Health told TMZ that Ruiz died of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The tabloid also reported that his death was natural, no foul was involved.
His sudden passing saddened the food community and numerous food enthusiasts. A close pal Guy Fieri wrote an emotional message on his Instagram.
“I’m heartbroken that my friend chef Carl Ruiz is gone. I have no words to describe what a great friend he was to me and my family. His ability to make me laugh and smile under any circumstances was only outshined by his talent as a chef,” his caption read,
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His brother George Ruiz said that Carl was hanging out with his friends in Maryland near Baltimore at the time of his sudden loss.
Following his untimely demise, a rep for the Cuban restaurant called La Cubana told People magazine they are planning to create The Carl Ruiz Scholarship Foundation in order to help the promising chef.
He is survived by his parents and brother.
Chef Carl Ruiz Family: His Culinary Talents Came From His Parents
He is the son of Elisa Ruiz and Yezzid Ruiz. His parents used to run a tire shop in Passaic, N.J., where Carl also worked. His brother George told The New York Times that his mother from Cuba and grandmother are natural culinary artists in their own way.
After growing up in such a family, Carl’s talent in the food industry automatically flourished. On the other hand, his Colombian father was also the primary inspiration in his initial growth, who always taught him to provide the best service in the food business and maintain a healthy relationship with customers too.
His brother said,
“He wasn’t just fixing your tire: He was helping you get to work. It was an integral part of a solid immigrant community, helping people get what they needed.”
Where is Carl A. Ruiz From? His Education
Ruiz was born on April 4, 1975, in Passaic, New Jersey. He spent the majority of his early life in his hometown Passaic. Moving towards his education, Carl enrolled at the Collegiate School. He later went to the Institute of Culinary Education, in New York City.
Talking about his ethnicity, the late chef had a mixed ethnical background and belonged to American nationality.
Carl Ruiz Journey in Food Industry and His Successful Restaurants
He worked for several restaurants before starting his own business. Ruiz landed his first job as a sous chef in a restaurant Dish, in New Jersey. He then served as an executive chef at Sabor in North Bergen.
Carl Ruiz the late celebrity chef.Source: Instagram
In the subsequent years, the then aspiring chef held several high positions before getting involved in his own restaurant business. He along with his then-wife Marie opened Marie’s Italian Specialities, a deli-style restaurant in Chatham Township, New Jersey on 10th October 2011.
He named his first restaurant after his wife Marie. Goes on to show how much his wife meant to him. Moreover, in an interview with The New York Times, the late restaurant jestingly explained,
“My wife is Sicilian. If the place wasn’t called Marie’s, I’d be in trouble.”
Marie’s Italian Specialties also featured on his Food Network’s TV show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, aired in early 2013. He began a new restaurant La Cubana, in the Chelsea neighborhood in June 2019.
In addition to his restaurant business, Ruiz featured in a number of TV shows. He was a judge on Guy’s Grocery Games and Guy’s Ranch Kitchen. Additionally, he popped up as a guest on the Sirius XM radio show Opie and Anthony and The Opie Radio Show.
Carl Ruiz Failed Marriage With Wife Marie Riccio
The former couple always kept their marital relationship out of the public glare. According to some tabloids, the two tied the knot back in the late 2000s.
Carl previously married Marie.Source: Facebook
Carl and Marie both were cook lovers. After a few years of their nuptials, they also used their culinary skills in their own business. They led a happy married life for years handling their business side by side. However, it didn’t sustain for long & they went their separate ways in 2018.
The reason why they divorced is still a mystery. They didn’t any kids.
Marie Riccio’ Had Fraternal Twins With His Wife
Carl Ruiz’s ex-wife Riccio is blessed with fraternal twins, a daughter named Michelle M. Kirby and Robert V. Kirby. Sources reported that her twins came from her former marriage to her unknown hubby.
Marie’s fraternal twin.Source: Facebook
They both attended Madison Junior School and graduated from the school in mid-2020.
Take Look at Carl Ruiz Former-Wife Marie Riccio’s Bio
Marie was born on 13th Feb 1981, in New Jersey to Martin and Joyce Riccio. She is the granddaughter of Martin Joseph Riccio and Fay Riccio. Her grandfather was passed away at 83 on 10th June 2017.
Riccio attended Rutgers University – Newark Campus.
Carl Ruiz Net Worth
He had earned a good amount of fortune from his culinary business. Carl Ruiz’s net worth was $2 million at the time of his death. The late celebrity chef was also paid a considerable salary from his frequent appearance as a judge on many popular Tv shows.
