David Fonseca Cruz

David Fonseca Cruz,87, of Smithfield, RI,passed away on November 15th,2025,surrounded by the love of his family. David was born on May 7,1938,in Cumberland, Rhode Island, to the late Belmiro and Felicida Cruz. Proud of his heritage, David was a first generation American citizen who was raised bilingual and loved all things Portuguese.

David spent the first part of his life in Cumberland before raising his family and residing in Lincoln for more than 38 years and later settling in Smithfield for the past six years. He was a devoted husband to Lise Cruz for over 60 years, and together they built a life filled with adventure, travel, family and deep love.

David completed his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bryant College in 2 short years and went on to enjoy a fulfilling career with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, where he proudly served as a Budget Analyst for 30 years before retiring. Never one to remain idle, he created several small businesses, the most successful being a grape importing company that sourced premium wine grapes from Napa Valley for local winemakers throughout Rhode Island. David was an honest humble man who treated his customers like family. This virtue served him well in life as his customers were loyal, returning year after year for business.

In his early years, David helped his own Dad to build Cruz Construction by serving loyally as the business accountant. His legacy was later passed on to his own 2 sons who continue serving their communities in the construction industry both here in RI by his son Joseph and out west in Nevada by his son Steven. The Cruz Construction Co was built on 3 generations of Cruz's who continue to maintain the highest standards of customer service built on simple but sustainable values of honesty, hard work and integrity.

Additionally, David was a talented musician who played the clarinet and saxophone in the Lusitania Marching Band as well as the National Guard. He loved travel, hunting, fishing, sports, music and any opportunity that brought family and friends together. A lifelong storyteller, he shared his knowledge of wildlife, nature, and life experiences with anyone lucky enough to listen- especially on many treasured family road trips.

David's gift was people. He was known for his warm personality, easy-going nature, and ability to make conversation with anyone. There was never a place he went where he didn't leave with a new friend. Charitable, humble and community-minded, he quietly supported local causes and lived by the values of honesty, loyalty and hard work.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lise; his children Joseph A. Cruz (spouse Dawn) of Smithfield, RI, Steven B. Cruz (spouse Vicki) of Incline Village, Nevada and Michelle Cruz Clark of Broad Brook, CT; his grandchildren Christina Johnson, Nicholas Cruz, Serena Clark, Rachel Clark, Anna Cruz and Regan Clark; his siblings Juliet Lucena and Belmiro "Bill" Cruz. He was predeceased by his parents and son in law Glenn Clark. David leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, family and friendship. To know him was truly a blessing.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to Dave's Life Celebration to begin with Visiting Hours on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 10 AM to 12:30 PM in the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road Cumberland. A Prayer Service will be held at 12:30 PM in the funeral home. Burial will be private at a later date.

Online memorial: jjduffyfuneralhome.com

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