John Cruz
September 30, 2013
SOUTH PORTLAND - John Cruz, 66, of South Portland, died September 30, 2013 after a brief illness. He is the husband of Cathy Cruz and father of Margaret Cruz. John was born and educated in California. He served with the Army during the Viet Nam War and was a survivor of the Hamburg Hill Invasion. John worked for Freightliner of Maine as trailer shop manager for 20 years. He loved lobster fishing off his lobster boat the "Margaret Rose", and spending summers at his Long Island summer home. John was very proud of his daughter and all her accomplishments. He coached her sports teams in elementary school and was her most faithful spectator during her high school years. He was most proud of her academic accomplishments and her acceptance as a doctoral candidate at UConn. John was very proud of his Mexican heritage, but enjoyed being part of his wife's Irish American family. In addition to his wife and daughter, John is survived by his goddaughters, Nichola Napolitano and Colleen Martin. John was a huge part of his wife's extended family and was particularly close to his "bro" Kevin Folan. John loved all the children in the family and shared many favorite memories with them. He will be fondly remembered as the "fun uncle". Visitation will be held 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday October 3, 2013 at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. An 11:30 a.m. Friday Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church, corner of Broadway and Cottage Roads, South Portland. Burial will follow in New Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.Online condolences may be expressed below.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Cathy, I am thinking of you and you are in my heart and prayers. I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. My heart aches for both you your daughter. Your are one of the most amazing women I know and respect. Love, The Pednault’s
– Amy Pednault
So sorry for your loss. I didn’t know your family but my son Travis played with Margaret on Long Island in the summer when they were very little. Your family is in our prayers at this difficult time.
– Beth Soper
John was all about serving others. He served his Nation in Vietnam. He served his community as a coach. Most importantly he served his family as a provider, a friend and loving uncle, father and spouse. He was caring, generous, hard-working and devoted. Godspeed my friend!
– Hon. Gerard J. Boyle
Dear Cathy Ann and Margaret, So sorry to hear about John (Dad). My heart aches for you both. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love Mary Theresa
– Mary Folan Rich
Dear Margaret, I was so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. What a wonderful legacy he leaves. Take care of yourself and know that you and your Mom will be in my thoughts and prayers. Family is a wonderful gift and it seems you are very lucky to have such a gift with it’s love and support. Sincerely Peg Blain,Hannaford Assoc.
– Peg Blain
Cathy and Margaret, Thoughts and prayers are with you today and always. You have our deepest sympathies. Ann, Jake, Stephanie, Darren, and Kari Brown
– Ann Brown
My heart aches for Cathy and Margaret and John. I know at some point it will heal. Only because memories of John will carry on forever,and that can never be taken away. Take care. May you have fair winds and following seas. Pedro Hannigan
– Peter Hanigan
Dear Cathy Margaret, We are very sad to hear of John’s passing. You both are in our prayers. We loved John,we feel honored we knew him and he touched our lives. Dennis Toni
– Dennis & Toni O’Donnell