Reverand Father Luciano Cruz

Reverend Father Luciano Cruz

1944 – 2025

The Reverend Father Luciano Cruz Rosa, a retired priest of the Diocese of Paterson, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Merry Heart Assisted Living in Succasunna, New Jersey. He was 80 years old.

Born in San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico on December 18, 1944, to Ramon Cruz Espinosa and Felicita Rosa de Cruz (née Rosa Gomez), Father Luciano immigrated to New Jersey with his family in 1954. Finding community among the growing Puerto Rican and Latino population in Paterson at the time and support and mentorship in the Catholic Church, Father Luciano felt the call to the priesthood from a young age. At 18 he began his 20 plus year vocational journey to the priesthood when he entered seminary studies at Seminario Mayor San Jerónimo (La Paz, Bolivia), later continuing at Seminario San Jose (Cochabamba, Bolivia) and completing his studies at Immaculate Conception Seminary at Darlington (Mahwah, NJ). He was ordained to the priesthood on May 17, 1986 at Saint John the Baptist Catheral, Paterson, by the Most Reverend Bishop Frank J. Rodimer becoming the first priest of Puerto Rican birth and ancestry to be ordained into the Diocese of Paterson.

For over 30 years Fr. Luciano devoutly and dedicatedly served through many appointments within the Diocese of Paterson:

Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Fatima, Passaic, NJ
Parochial Vicar, Saint Margaret, Morristown, NJ
Pastor, Saint Agnes, Paterson, NJ
Pastor, Saint Therese, Paterson, NJ
Retired in 2017 to Nazareth Village, Chester, NJ

Father Luciano worked as a social worker for many years prior to his ordination. His years of experience in this field blessed him with the knowledge and skills to better serve his parishioners and surrounding communities, thus making him a better priest. He remained dedicated to serving the poor, disadvantaged and undocumented, never turning anyone away who sought his spiritual counsel and general assistance. His dedication extended beyond the church walls as he was heavily involved in interfaith community outreach initiatives and programs that uplifted and celebrated Puerto Rican and Latino culture as a whole. He ran food pantries in the parishes where he served as pastor and believed in a "welcoming, open-door policy" making the rectories he lived feel like a second home for his parishioners. Fr. Luciano oversaw several ministries over his three decades of active pastoral service, but it was the Neocatechumenal Way that captured his heart and one that he found a profound calling towards ministering and embodying.

Fr. Luciano had a unique ability to find humor in hardship and comfort in faith. His innate charm, small stature and larger than life personality naturally drew people to him and he was beloved by everyone blessed to truly have known him. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion and service. He was also an avid gardener whose rectory roses were the envy of the neighborhood.

Fr. Luciano was pre deceased in death by his parents, Ramon and Felicita, and his brother, Angel Luis Cruz Rosa. He is survived by his sisters, Luz Maria Toledo (née Cruz Rosa) , Ismaela Chrisman (née Espinosa), Angelina Espinosa, and (chosen sister) Haydee Martinez; brothers Francisco Cruz Rosa and Michael Espinosa. He is also survived by multiple generations of nieces and nephews and countless godchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Fr. Luciano Cruz name can be made to the Diocesan Retirement Community for Priests, Nazareth Village, 6 Meadow Lane, Chester, NJ 07930

A community Fr. Luciano lovingly called home from 2017 to 2025.

Donations may also be sent to Roman Catholic Diocese of Paterson, 777 Valley Road, Clifton, NJ 07013 for the ministry and services of Retired Priests. (Please be advised that donations sent directly to the Diocese be noted as gifts in memory of Fr. Luciano Cruz for Retired Priests to ensure donations are reserved exclusively for this purpose)

"Hear with favor our prayers, O Lord, for the soul of your servant and Priest, Reverend Father Luciano Cruz, that he, who devoted a faithful ministry to your name, may rejoice in the perpetual company of your Saints. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN."