Manuel Cruz

1936 - 2021

Manuel Cruz, 84, of Middletown, passed away on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. Born in Yabucoa, PR, he was the oldest of 13 children and the Patriarch of the Cruz Family. Manuel quit school at a young age to work and help care and support his family. At the age of 16, with just the clothes on his back, left home for New York to find work to support his family, but settled in Portland, CT, and was joined by his entire family. His strong work ethic, responsibility, and language proficiencies helped him quickly rise the ranks to become a supervisor and then general manager of Consolidated Cigar Corporation until its demise in the 1980's. He then worked construction at Boutin & Sons until his retirement. He worked just as hard in his retirement by doing auto mechanical work, delivering food donations, and helping anyone in need. He was a master gardener, fisherman, and cook. He also enjoyed playing dominoes, bingo, and of course being with family. His kind spirit and generous heart will never be forgotten, and his legacy will be remembered for generations to come. Manuel is survived by his children Minerva Ortiz, Edwin Cruz, Elizabeth Thompson (Joshua), Eileen Mazza, and Kimberly Sandbo, grandchildren Dimaris Ortiz, Melita Cruz, Jasmine Cruz, Angelina Knapp (Lindsey), Santino Cruz, Michael Cruz, Kyle Cruz, David Cruz (Lacey), Michael Cruz, Angelina Cruz, B. Meleenda Cruz, Hope Thompson, Eden Thompson, Sophia Thompson, Lucas Thompson, Xavier Mazza, and Roman Mazza, and great-grandchildren McKenzi Hayden, Kalina Norwood, Kayla Cruz, Kai Cruz, and Gabriel Ortiz. He was predeased by his children, John Cruz, Crystal Byrd, Emanuel Cruz, and Evelyn Cruz, his parents, Leo and Santo Cruz, and his sister, Rosa Ortiz (Jose). He is also survived by his siblings, Ramon Ortiz (Pura), Carmen Perez (Gasper), Leonor Fontanez (Jose), Margarita Santiago (Mariano), Lino Cruz (Roseanne), Marcelina Ortiz, Efrain Cruz (Claudia), Providencia Solis (Angel), Gladys Serra (Jay), Luis Vargas (Anna), and Lino Vargas. He also leaves behind many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A private memorial service will be held at an undetermined time. Thank you very much for your understanding, thoughts, and prayers.