Rinaldo Cruz

He is survived by five of his six children, ten grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

His children in order of birth are Odalys Cruz-Martin, Rinaldo Cruz Jr., Susan Cruz-Alicea, Aileen Cruz-LaRossa, Gladys (Babe) Cruz-Guzman, and Ronny Cruz (deceased).

His ten grandchildren in order of birth are Nicole Domenech-Villanustre, Thuvia Natasha Martin, Dominique Michelle Martin, Jonathan Paul Garcia, Sebastian Domenech, Damian Jules Guzman, Ava Cruz, Gia Babe Guzman, Ashley Alicea, and Amber Alicea.

And his five great-grandchildren in order of birth are Mia Villanustre, Daz Villanustre, Brianna Garcia, Bellany Garcia, and Ela Villanustre.

El Viejo (as all his children and close friends came to call him) worked hard throughout his life to provide for his wife, his children, and his extended family in the U.S. and Cuba. He would often very generously extend a hand to friends who were down on their luck and help them get back on their feet.

In 1973, Rinaldo and his cousins founded Ronny Construction Company, which was named after his recently deceased youngest son. Unknown to many in the community, Rinaldo was instrumental in developing neighborhoods in Kendall, Bird Road, Westchester, Gables by the Sea, and many more. He went on to form RVJ Enterprises (an engineering company), a roofing company, and more.

Prior to retirement, Rinaldo became interested in breeding Paso Fino horses. He took up original ownership of the well-known Paso Fino horses Atila, Atrevimiento, and Tito Livio, the legendary winners of Best in Show during his time as owner. To continue breeding competition worthy horses and provide a place where his children and grandchildren could ride the non-competitive horses, he founded the Triangle C Ranch in Ocala, FL.

During retirement he traveled to places like Morocco, Spain, and Italy with his long-time companion Berta Gironda. He loved art, music (especially Sarah Brightman), feeding the ducks behind his home, and working in his garden.

Rinaldo also traveled to California several times to visit and watch telenovelas with his youngest daughter, Babe. At home in Miami, he would cook all kinds of food in great anticipation of a visit from his son, Rey, so they could spend hours enthusiastically discussing politics, religion, sports, and life. With his eldest daughter, Oda, he enjoyed re-watching old cowboy movies (especially Shane) and Clint Eastwood spaghetti westerns that he and Oda had often seen together in a modest movie theater in Little Havana while eating pastelitos de guayaba. On Rinaldo’s trips to his horse ranch in Ocala, he enjoyed visiting with his daughter Susy and her family. And with his daughter Aileen, he often looked forward to her morning visits when she would bring him a traditional Cuban breakfast.

Prior to his passing, Rinaldo was baptized as a Christian by his long-time childhood friend, Raul Molina.

Despite many obstacles and hardships in his life, Rinaldo was loved by his children more than he ever realized. His children saw to it that he was not alone at the time of his death and that it was a peaceful passing.

Rinaldo Cruz was 86 years old at the time of his passing. In lieu of a funeral service, which Rinaldo did not want, his children will be privately laying his ashes to rest on a nearby reef as per his wishes.

Thank you