Héctor Ruíz Martínez (November 14, 1943 – May 6, 1986) was a Puerto Rican politician and teacher. He was mayor of Barceloneta from 1985 until his death in 1986.

Early years and studies

Héctor Ruíz Martínez was born on November 14, 1943, in the Tosas Sector of Barrio Magueyes in Barceloneta,

Puerto Rico ; abbreviated PR), officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is a Government of Puerto Rico, self-governing Caribbean Geography of Puerto Rico, archipelago and island organized as an Territories of the United States, unincorporated territo ...

. He was the seventh son of Gustavo Vidal Ruíz and Filadelfia Martínez. When his mother died a month later, Héctor was taken to his grandparents who raised him. Ruíz studied his elementary school in Pajonal, but after graduating, his father enrolled him at the Rafael Balseiro Maceira Junior High School in Barceloneta. He graduated in 1962, and was the President of his class. Ruíz enters the

University of Puerto Rico The University of Puerto Rico (Spanish language, Spanish: ''Universidad de Puerto Rico;'' often shortened to UPR) is the main List of state and territorial universities in the United States, public university system in the Commonwealth (U.S. i ...

, specifically the Pedagogy Department. However, before he could finish his

bachelor's degree A bachelor's degree (from Medieval Latin ''baccalaureus'') or baccalaureate (from Modern Latin ''baccalaureatus'') is an undergraduate degree awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study lasting three to six years ...

, he is called up by the

United States Army The United States Army (USA) is the primary Land warfare, land service branch of the United States Department of Defense. It is designated as the Army of the United States in the United States Constitution.Article II, section 2, clause 1 of th ...

to serve in the

Vietnam War The Vietnam War (1 November 1955 – 30 April 1975) was an armed conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia fought between North Vietnam (Democratic Republic of Vietnam) and South Vietnam (Republic of Vietnam) and their allies. North Vietnam w ...

. After completing his years of military service, he returns to Puerto Rico and completes his degree, specializing in Spanish.

Professional career

Ruíz began working as a teacher in the Barrio Boquillas of Manatí, but he later transfers to the Urban Elementary School where he works for several years. He then works at a junior high school, where he serves as teacher of Industrial Arts and Special Education. He also served as Coordinator for the Spanish Program to the Superintendent's Office in Barceloneta. Ruíz later became part of the faculty of the Fernando Suria Cháves High School. He also directed Troop 224 of the local

Cub Scouts Cubs or Wolf Cubs are programs associated with some Scouting, Scout organizations, for young children, usually between 8 and 12, who are too young to be Scouts and make the Scout Promise. A participant in the program is called a Cub and a gro ...

Political career

Ruíz began his political career when he was appointed President of the Popular Youth in Barceloneta. He decided to run for mayor and won the primaries of his party. Ruíz went on to win at the 1984 general elections, defeating the incumbent mayor, Elí Ramos Rosario.

Death and legacy

During his short tenure as mayor, Ruíz had to deal with the

bankruptcy Bankruptcy is a legal process through which people or other entities who cannot repay debts to creditors may seek relief from some or all of their debts. In most jurisdictions, bankruptcy is imposed by a court order, often initiated by the deb ...

of Barceloneta, as well as the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Isabel in 1985. His health deteriorated and Ruíz died on May 6, 1986. He was succeeded by

Sol Luis Fontánes Sol Luis Fontanes Olivo (born October 13, 1949, in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico) is a Puerto Rican politician and former mayor of Barceloneta. He was one of the longest tenured mayors of the island, spending 26 years in office. He is currently inca ...

. A housing project and a school in Barceloneta currently bear the name of Héctor Ruíz Martínez.Lista para el 2012 escuela Héctor Ruiz Martínez en Barceloneta
on

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; Maldonado Arrigoitía, Wilma

Personal life

Ruíz was married to Juana Ramos.

References

External links

Personas Importantes de la Política de Barceloneta
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ruiz Martinez, Hector 1943 births 1986 deaths United States Army personnel of the Vietnam War People from Barceloneta, Puerto Rico Popular Democratic Party (Puerto Rico) politicians Mayors of places in Puerto Rico University of Puerto Rico alumni United States Army soldiers 20th-century Puerto Rican politicians