Cesar Cruz

Cesar was born on February 25, 1927, in Guanica, Puerto Rico to the late Juan and Josefa "Pepa" (Quinones-Vargas) Cruz. He moved to Brooklyn, NY with his grandmother and aunt when he was 13. At 17, eager to be independent, he may have exaggerated his age slightly to join the US Navy and served in WWII as a machinist apprentice aboard the USS Ticonderoga. He enjoyed his time serving and was a proud veteran.

He met the love of his life, Carmen Toledo-Jimenez, in Brooklyn in 1944 and they were married in 1948. They had three children, Yolanda, Cesar Antonio and Yvette. He worked many years for the Burdick Company in Brooklyn as a machine operator before moving to upstate New York. Once upstate, he worked as a packer for 25 years at Tarkett until retirement. After retirement, he and Carmen fulfilled their dream to move to Florida where he remained until his passing.

Cesar enjoyed traveling, fishing, old western movies and going to Disney with his grandchildren. His happy place was the beach, he loved the water. He was very determined to make it to 100 and though he didn't quite make it, he lived a very full life and will be missed tremendously.

Cesar is survived by his wife of 75 years, Carmen Cruz of Dunedin, FL, his daughter Yolanda Cruz of Largo, FL, Yvette Cruz (Brian) of Willkill, NY, his grandchildren Adam Hazel of Provincetown, MA, Keith Hazel (Kim) of Albuquerque, NM, Belinda Moya (Jake) of Wesley Chapel, FL, Lionel Moya (Kaela) of Largo,FL, Tyler and Alyssa Kelly of Willkill, NY. He is also survived by 9 great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear family friend Veronica Shevlin. He was pre-deceased by his son, Cesar Antonio Cruz and sister, Doris Kramer.

A visitation for Cesar will be held Friday, December 30, 2022 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Meadowlawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 4244 Madison Street, New Port Richey, FL 34652. A funeral service will occur Friday, December 30, 2022 from 1:30 PM to 2:15 PM, 4244 Madison Street, New Port Richey, FL 34652. A graveside service will occur Friday, December 30, 2022 from 2:15 PM to 2:45 PM, 4244 Madison Street, New Port Richey, FL 34652.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.meadowlawnfuneralhome.com for the Cruz family.