Rev. Dr. George Cruz-Martinez

Rev. Dr. George Cruz-Martinez, 70, of Pomona Park, Florida, passed away on December 1, 2025.
Born on April 28, 1955, in Brooklyn, NY, he was a devoted husband to Beverly Rivera-Cruz, a loving father to Rebecca Cruz and George Cruz III, and a wonderful grandfather to Isaac David Naranjo Cruz. He pastored at Hope Lutheran Church in Satsuma, Florida.
George was born to Jorge Cruz-Adorno and Ines Cruz-Martinez in Brooklyn, NY. He, along with his 11 brothers and sisters (Ida, Evelyn, Raquel, Naomi, Estela, Rebecca, Sam, David, Deborah, Ruth and Joel) whom he loved dearly, were raised in Brooklyn, NY in neighborhoods rich with a diverse population and strong human connections.
He was brought up in a Pentecostal home where his father actively participated in the local church and mother concentrated on providing a warm and loving home where God was the center. George fondly told the story of participating in nightly prayer times with his mother and siblings and having visions where Jesus made himself known in a powerful and personal way.  
The fact that God had marked George for His service was evident even at an early age and although George was reluctant, to put it mildly, the call finally came to him in his later teen years. The moment that George encountered his Savior, he dove into a life of service from that moment on. He went on to study at el Instituto Bíblico Asambleas de Dios, in Puerto Rico and soon found that studying the Word of God was a passion that saw him through completing a Bachelor's in Psychology, a Bachelor's of Theology (Seminario Bíblico de Costa Rica), una Licenciatura en Teología (Seminario Bíblico de Costa Rica), a Master's in Theology (New Brunswick Theological Seminary), Master's of Education (Fairleigh Dickinson University), and finally a Doctorate in Ministry at Drew University.
He actively participated in his denomination's synod assembly and weekly pericope with the Latino pastors and bishop of the synod. Additionally, his passion for studying the word of God led him to start a Pericope group in 2023 with fellow pastors from all over the United States and Central America. The Pericope group allowed those in church leadership positions to find a safe space to share, be encouraged, challenge each other and prepare to feed their congregants on a weekly basis.  
He was creative and loved to explore his creative side through poetry, writing, drawing, painting, playing the guitar and singing. He dabbled in gardening, thoroughly delighting in being able to grow gandules in his own backyard. He moved several times in his life and each move resulted in him making genuine contributions and connections with his community. He shared his talents with all those who chose to sit with him and connect on a personal, spiritual or emotional level. He had a heart for those who had seen hardship and strived to bring relief whether through a comforting word, assistance of any kind, or just sitting with a person in need and letting them know they weren't alone or forgotten.
George was a wonderful, imperfectly profound soul. He knew that his very existence was possible only through the power of an Almighty God who grabbed a hold of him and never let go. He loved his family with a ferocity that showed up sometimes like a roaring lion and others like a whisper, but sincere and unwavering all the same. He was always ready to give you one of his beautiful smiles and make you feel like you were the most important person in the room. He always had time to listen and give a word of counsel when asked.
He is survived by his wife, Beverly, his children, Rebecca and George III, his grandson, Isaac, and siblings, as well as many extended family members, friends, and colleagues who will miss him dearly.
We find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he so freely shared and the many memories we will cherish forever. Our hearts, though saddened by his passing, rejoice in the fact that he has finally been able to be welcomed into the arms of the One who so completely captivated his heart, His Savior, Jesus Christ.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 13, at 3 p.m., Hope Lutheran Church, 273 CR 309, Satsuma, FL 32189. Internment will take place on Monday, December 15, at Grace Memorial Gardens, 16931 US Highway 19 North, Hudson, Florida, beginning with visitation at 10 a.m., ceremony at 11 a.m., and burial following immediately after. 
In lieu of flowers, people can make a donation to: Hope Lutheran Church, P.0. Box 132, Satsuma, FL 32189.
Arrangements are entrusted to Grace Memorial Gardens, 16931 U.S. Highway 19 North Hudson, FL.