Cruz, Joseph Sr., 88, of Coral Springs, passed away July 12, 2019. Joseph was born June 29, 1931 in Newark, New Jersey to the late Evaristo and Noehima (Alves) Cruz. He loved music. He graduate in 1950 from Arts High School in Newark where he learned to read and write music. He played the drums, bass & trumpet. He especially loved Jazz. His family meant the world to him and he was always telling them stories and jokes. He loved dogs and his favorite comedians were Abbott & Costello. Joseph was predeceased by his sister, Irene Hanover. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 68 years, Lydia, daughter, Catherine Cruz, son, Joseph Cruz Jr. and granddaughter, Melissa Diaz. The family will receive friends on Monday, July 15, 2019, 5:00 -8:00pm at Kraeer Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 1655 University Drive, Coral Springs. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 9950 NW 29th Street, Coral Springs. Entombment to immediately follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, North Lauderdale.