Obituary of Ruben Cruz, Sr.

Ruben Cruz, Sr., 59, of Bridgeton passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 24, 2019 at Inspira Medical Center in Vineland.

Born in Villalba, Puerto Rico to the late Pedro Cruz, Sr. and Maria Rivera Cruz, he was a resident of Bridgeton most of his life. Ruben moved to Norma at the age of six and had lived in Baltimore, MD briefly before settling in Bridgeton.

He had been employed as a Fork Lift Operator at Shoreline Freezer in Bridgeton for over 20 years. Ruben had been previously employed at 4 Star Chicken in Bridgeton. He was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and collector of comic books, especially Spiderman. As a huge fan of Bruce Lee, Ruben also enjoyed the martial arts and had learned Bruce's personal style, Jeet Kune Do. He was known to ride his bicycle everywhere and for his barbecue grilling skills. Ruben also enjoyed nature and playing sports with his sons.

He is survived by; three sons, Ruben Cruz, Jr. and his wife, Joanne of Millville, Jesus Antonio Cruz and his fiance, Jasmine of Millville and Andrew “Fat Boy” Cruz of Gouldtown; two siblings, Maricella Cruz-Brown and her husband, Kerry of Bridgeton and Pedro Cruz, Jr. of Shiloh; seven grandchildren, Jenaya Cruz, Ruben Cruz III, Israel Cruz, Jovani Cruz, Andrew Cruz, Jr. Julian Antonio Cruz and Jayden Cruz and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and other family members.

Funeral services will be held at the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, 1107 State Highway 77, Upper Deerfield Twp. on Friday, December 6th at 12 Noon. Friends will be received at the funeral home from 10 AM to 12 Noon prior to the services. The family has requested that those who attend services to dress casual and wear Eagles attire if possible. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.