Nieves "Joe" Cruz Jr.

Nieves "Joe" Cruz, Jr., lovingly known to many as "Joe or Nisi" passed away surrounded by the love of his family on March 30, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, strength, and unwavering love.

Born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, Joe moved with his family to Newark, New Jersey at the age of eight. After marrying the love of his life, Gladys, in 1967, the couple began building their life together. They made their home in Cliffwood Beach in 1971, later moving to Laurence Harbor in 1984, and most recently settling in Matawan in 2019.

Joe was a proud graduate of Bloomfield Technical School, where he studied carpentry. He honorably served his country in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1967, a period of his life he carried with great pride.

A hardworking and dedicated man, Joe held several positions throughout his life. Among his final and most notable roles, he worked at Mar-Jo Windows and later retired from Rutgers University in 2010.

In his younger years, Joe was an active member of the Knollcroft Social and Athletic Club in Cliffwood Beach, where he formed many lasting friendships and enjoyed being involved in his community. He was also a parishioner of St. Lawrence Church in Laurence Harbor.

Nisi was truly the patriarch of the Cruz family. Family was the center of his world, and nothing brought him greater joy than having everyone together. He proudly hosted the family's cherished annual Fourth of July barbecue and made Christmas celebrations especially memorable. His greatest happiness came from spending time with his large and loving family.

He enjoyed many pastimes throughout his life, including bowling, softball, horseshoes, watching boxing, and camping with family and friends. In his later years, he especially loved watching Westerns. Above all, one of his greatest joys was cruising with his beloved wife, Gladys, with whom he shared 58 wonderful years of marriage.

Joe will be remembered for his passion, perseverance, and the deep love he held for those closest to him. His presence, wisdom, and warmth will be profoundly missed and forever cherished.

He was predeceased by his parents, Nieves Cruz, Sr. and Alejandrina Hernandez; his brother, Luis Cruz; and his sisters, Raquel Cruz and Iris Camacho.

Nisi is survived by his beloved wife, Gladys; his loving children, Gloria and her husband David, Ken and his wife Paula, Brian and his wife Elana, and Anthony and his wife Shana; his cherished grandchildren, Kenny, Jenna, Jason and his wife Ping, Christopher and his wife Julissa, Adam, and Benicio; and his treasured great-grandson, Leo.

He is also survived by his siblings, Manuel and Michelle Cruz, Rosita Lukowiak, Juana Demsyn, Yolanda and Ed Gebhardt, and Faustino Cruz, along with many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Joe's love and legacy will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Family and friends may gather to Bedle Funeral Home, 212 Main Street, Matawan, NJ 07747 on Friday, April 3, 2026 beginning at 4:00pm. Concluding prayers and military honors will begin at 7:15pm.

On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, please join the family for a 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Lawrence RC Church in Laurence Harbor. Burial will follow at Rosehill Cemetery located in Matawan.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly ask for donations to help offset funeral cost. Please direct any contribution in Nieves' name to Bedle Funeral Home.