Mr. Sergio Ruiz, 91, of Troy, MO, passed away on June 12, 2022. He was born in Habana, Cuba, on April 26, 1931. After attending the local schools, Sergio became a police officer. It was during this time that Fidel Castro began implementing communism. Sergio was a very patriotic man and would not turn against his own people. He was put in jail sentenced to 99 years.  At one point, Fidel approached the prisoners and offered them a deal. If they would agree to the communism, he would let them see their families. Let eat good meals, etc. Half of the prisoners took the deal, but Sergio refused. After 29 years of imprisonment, Jacque Cousteau, the oceanographer came to Cuba. He was doing a piece on the ocean there and he had a meeting with Fidel Castro. During the meeting Jacque asked Fidel to release the political prisoners, and he did. Sergio received a visa to the United States, and was finally a free man. He first flew to Miami where he was greeted by hundreds of Cubans and politicians grateful for his great sacrifice. Then he boarded a plane for California, his final destination. When he reached Los Angeles, the governor of California was waiting to meet him and shake his hand. Along with many, many others. Sergio was lauded a hero all around the world for his stand against communism. He later was introduced to a beautiful woman, from the country of Columbia. Her name was Magnolia Barberena, and she became his loving wife. At their first house, Sergio got down on the ground and dug a hole. There he placed the American flag, which stood for freedom, and where dreams could come true. He was truly honored to be an American. Together he and Magnolia, owned their own trucking company, Barberena Trucking Company. In later years, they bought a ranch. The house was a little shack , but Sergio built a beautiful home there. There truly was nothing he could not do. He was very handsome, kind and Sergio had a gentle spirit. He was very devout in his catholic faith and God was number 1 in his life. Sergio was grateful for so many things, but his beautiful Magnolia was his greatest blessing. He will be remembered as a hero and a wonderful man forever.

Per his request, services were private. Memorials may be made to the donor's choice c/o McCoy- Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1304 Boone Street, Troy, MO, 63379, 636-528-8244. Friends and family are invited to visit our website at mccoyblossomfh.com