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Francisco Cruz Obituary
Francisco Cruz was not much for words — the kind of guy who would go to a party, look over the dance floor and head straight for a dark, quiet corner. When Mr. Cruz, a security guard for Summit Security in the World Trade Center, did have something to say, he let his guitar speak for him, spewing out fiery renditions of tunes by Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana and Jose Feliciano. "Music was his life," said his brother Tomas Cruz. "It allowed him to escape outside of himself. He would just come alive."
Music hooked Mr. Cruz, 47, at an early age. While kids all around him were busy dreaming baseball, Mr. Cruz became mesmerized by a neighborhood kid who was learning to play the guitar, and earning lots of attention because of it. Young Mr. Cruz wanted to be cool, too. "But we didn't have a guitar, and our mother didn't have the money to buy one," his brother recalled. "So we would steal my uncle's guitar and hang out in the hallway with it, like we knew what we were doing."
Soon, Mr. Cruz had taught himself and his younger brother how to play. "I'll never be half as good as he was," Tomas Cruz said, "but when I'm playing, it keeps me with him and takes me back to our good times."
Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 18, 2001.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cindy Roe
September 5, 2021
Remembering Francisco on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Stephanie Dominguez
September 11, 2014
Grandpa, its been so long since we lost you and you live everyday through your grandchildren who have kept your memory very much alive. You are missed and forever in our hearts Love always Stephanie & Micai
Stephanie Dominguez
September 11, 2011
Dear Grandpa, I lost you 10 years ago today. At the time too young to understand why God was so cruel to me. Now here i am at 18 years old and everyday i continue to think about you, talk to you and look to God for answers. I Miss you with all of my heart My hero. I realized how Blessed i am to have my very own Guardian Angel. Please continue to give me strength and Keep me safe. See you in my dreams <3 Love you Always your granddaughter Stephanie
Nilsa
September 2, 2011
It's been 10 years and I still miss you. I visit you most of the week when I take the bus ride in to the city. I wave at you and blow a kiss out to you. Keep the music playing uncle frank.
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Doug Abraham
March 22, 2009
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
Kristine
October 23, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
September 18, 2006
In memory....
Yishai Mendelsohn
September 11, 2006
As part of Project 2,996, I created a memorial tribute for Francisco.
I never knew you, Fracisco, but from reading about you and your family's online tributes to you, you have touched my heart iwith your simple warmth and love of life. You cared about others, and communicated in your quiet way through music. You were last seen helping firefighters rescue people. You were, and still are, and inspiration to all who meet you. Thank you.
May you rest in peace.
Yishai
Zulma cruz
September 8, 2006
Rest in peace Frankie. We miss you.
Love
Your family
marguerita-anna cruz duenes
April 18, 2006
que dios te cuida y la familia tambien.
Carmen Candelaria
September 14, 2003
Querido Frankie
Tu me haces mucha falta todos los dias de mi vida. Yo se que ahora tu eres otro angel que vela por nosotros. yo miro tu retrato y pienso en ti todos los dias. Hasta que nos volveamos a ver y te quiero mucho. Tu esposa Carmen
Carol Duckworth
September 13, 2003
My company paid tribute to all that gave their life on Sept 11th. Each of us were given a rolled up piece of paper with a gold ring around it. During a moment of silence, we opened our papers and each of us had someone that had died that day. When I opened mine, I couldn't believe it. The first thing I saw was the picture of Francisco and then "The Quiet Guitar Player". This was special as I play guitar and love music. It's my life! I have framed Frank's page and see it every day. Love to his family. Carol
We Love You
Nilsa Galarza
September 11, 2003
September 11, 2003
I Miss You Uncle Frankie.
JOSE SOTO
September 11, 2003
TO THE CRUZ FAMILY: MY CONDOLENCE. FRANSICO CRUZ IS NOW IN GODS HAND. HE WAS A GOOD FRIEND I KNEW HIM FROM WHEN WE USED TO WORK FOR BURNS INTERNATIONAL SECURITY. HE WAS THE BEST FRIEND ANY DODY COULD HAVE. LAST TIME I SPOKE TO FRANK WAS IN AUGUST WHEN I WAS LOOKING FOR A JOB WHEN HE TOLD ME SUMMIT WAS HIRING. HE LOOKED SO HAPPY. I WILL MISS HIM GREAT PERSON, MAY GOD BLESS HIM AND ALSO HIS FAMILY THAT LOVES HIM ALOT. AMEN
Nicole Cruz
September 11, 2003
I miss you very much. love your niece Nicole, (5 years old)
Athina Sanchez
September 11, 2003
Frank,
Your warmth, kindness and laughter will forever be in my memory. Your honor and love is alive in the hearts of all those you blessed. We all carry a piece of you with us; a personal treasure you graced us with.
I love you.
Athina Marie Sanchez (great-niece)
Sergio y Carmita Jimenez Cruz
September 15, 2002
Tu prima carmita y esposo sienten el deseso de quien fue nuestro amigo FRANCISCO CRUZ SR. Sabemos que mora en el reino de DIOS.Nunca te olvidaremos FRANKY. SERGIO Y CARMITA
Ruben Santos-Claveria
September 14, 2002
I will never be the same. I send my blessings to the family for peace and safety and love. American stars don't fade away. They burn brighter in the gentler parts.
Dora Neydavood-Workman
September 11, 2002
I want to express my condolences to family and friends. Tom Cruz, I'm especially thinking of you today.
Daniel Sanchez
September 5, 2002
Estimado Frank,
Todabia no podemos creer que no estas con nosotros.Parece que fue ayer que pasamos el dia de los padres juntos en casa de tu hermano Tomas.Para nosotros fue un placer haberte conocido y tenerte en nuestra familia.Te agradesco de corazon todo el tiempo que estuvistes con mi hermana Carmen y por haberla cuidado.Siempre te llevaremos en nuestro pensamiento y oraciones.Que descanses en paz.
Daniel Sanchez y Familia
P.S. Luis (Ify) y familia siempre te recordaran.Que descanses en paz.Ify te desea que estes tocando tu musica con el senor y los angeles.
Norma Candelaria
September 5, 2002
Dear Frank,
It's been almost one year since you past away but it seems like yesterday.We miss you very much and Ethan thinks about you every day.Thanks for loving and caring for us so much.You will live forever in our hearts and memory.I will look after mom so do not worry.May you rest in peace.
love always Norma and Ethan
In Loving Memory
Melinda Rosado
September 5, 2002
You dont know me but I know Francisco's nephew "Angel". So I decided to pay my respects. I know how it feels to lose a loved 1 and my condolences and prayers go out to your family.
Dont worry, He's in GOD'S hands, he'll take care of him!!
Ethan Candelaria (8yrs.old)
September 1, 2002
Dear Papa,
I want you to know that I miss you so much.I love you with all my heart.I think about you every day and sometimes I cry.You were like my real father and I thank you for that.Thank you for the love you gave me and for buying me all the toys that I wanted.Rest in peace.I will see you some day.Don't worry about Mama I will take care of her.Love you always your son.
Ethan Candelaria
Carmen Candelaria
September 1, 2002
"Para el amor de mi vida"
Querido Frankie,
Aun recuerdo que en la madrugada del 11 de Septiembre 2001 tu no querias ir a trabajar,pero tenias que hacerlo.Mas tarde recibi tu llamada donde me desias que no sabias lo que estaba pasando afuera
Me acuerdo que te grite "Frankie salte del building" y tu me contestaste que no podias por que tenias que ayudar a los demas.Esa fue la ultima vez que escuche tu voz y se escuchaba el miedo que tu tenias.Nunca pense que me ivas a dejar y mucho menos de esa manera.Francho hace casi un ano que te fuistes de mi lado pero aun el dolor de haberte perdido se siente igual.Yo se que tu estas con el Senor y que estas descansando en paz pero, quiero que sepas que aun te extrano mucho.Tu eras mi esposo,mi amigo y mi companero.La persona con quien comparti mi vida por 22 anos.El hombre a quien yo quise,quiero y voy a querer toda la vida.Vivir sin ti no sera facil pero yo tratare de seguir adelante como tu lo hubieras querido.Te extrano mucho tu esposa y amiga Carmen.
Que descanses en paz y nos veremos algun dia.I Love You Francho.
Alfredo Candelaria
September 1, 2002
Dear Frankie,
We really miss you.We hope your in a better place near god.Mom really misses you alot,she feels lonley without you,but she excepted what happened and hopes one day she will be with you in heaven,until then we pray every day for you.God Bless you,we will always love you.
Love Freddy and Family
(Buffalo NY Sept 1,2002)
P.S.
I will never forget you.
-Carmen Candelaria(Wife)
Wanda Dominguez
August 25, 2002
Dear Frankie,
It's been almost a year since you left us but not one day has gone by that you are not in our thoughts.You will live for ever in our hearts and memory.We love and miss you very much.Thanks for the joy that you brought into our lives and for loving our children Melissa,Roberto and Stephanie.May you rest in peace.
Sarita Rodriguez
July 18, 2002
To the Cruz Family,
I know that the time is fast approaching that will mark a year that you have lost Frankie. It is still so difficult to comprehend all this that has happened. You are all in our prayers still Carmen, Zulma, Thomas all of you. The pain will never go away but God's love will help you endure and go on. Just wanted you to know we care.
Love Sari
Angie Campbell
April 23, 2002
God Bless you and the family and friends who knew and loved you. May you rest in peace.
Zulma Cruz
March 11, 2002
Dear Frankie
Althought your stay here on earth was brief, you gave the best of yourself to those around you. We trully miss you, we will never forget you and we'll make sure that your nieces and nephews know your legacy. You are our HERO. Rest in peace. love your sister in law
Nicole Cruz
March 11, 2002
I love you Frankie, I love you very much, I'm sending you a letter to you to say I love you very munch and I miss you. You are now in heaven with Papa Dios.
Love your niece Nikki (3 years old)
Iris Cruz-DeCresci
March 11, 2002
Although I never knew you, we have the same last name. That is why I felt compelled to write and to express my condolences to your family and friends. I read your legacy and it was beautiful. You gave so much joy to your friends and family. This is the legacy which we all would want to to leave behind once we go home to be with the lord.
God Bless
Iris
Pilly Quiles-Galarza
March 11, 2002
Frank although you were to your self most of the time, the loss of your life has made a great impact on ours, and we will not let you be to yourself. You will always be in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. We Miss You!
Nilsa Galarza
March 11, 2002
Dear Uncle Frank, every morning I walk pass your picture and say good morning to you. In the evening I wave good night. I know you are in a better place looking down on us. You are and will always be my hero. I miss you and love you. Til we meet again.
Teresa Jahn
January 5, 2002
May Francisco's passion for music, his life and love continue living in all who love him. May the sorrow in your hearts be lightened by the warm memories of times shared with Francisco. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
January 3, 2002
DEAR LORD BLESS FRANCISCO CRUZ AND
MAY HE REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS...PLAYING HIS MUSIC ...
GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND
MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01
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