Cruz was born to Domingo and Eugenia Maldonado in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico on Wednesday, December 4th, 1935. With his family they came to the United States and by the age of 18, he moved to New York. He had two children Silvia I. Lamboy and Ricky Maldonado. Cruz met the love of his life, Paula Zeno (Tata) who stood by his side til the last breath. They were married through the court but it wasn’t until 47 years later their dreams came true and got married in St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church on August 11th, 2017. Cruz accepted his stepdaughter Amelia Suarez and raised her with the love and guidance that a biological father would have given. At the age of 35, Cruz moved to Bayamon, Puerto Rico where he continued to devote his life to providing for his family. He retired in an occupation where he was most talented: as a carpenter under the Department of Health in San Juan, Puerto Rico. At the age of 67, he moved to Orlando, Florida where he would spend the remaining 16 years of his life with his love Paula, Benji, and later on Benji #2.
Cruz was a man who kept his emotions to himself but loved to bring out the emotions in others. He loved to joke around with everyone and provide stories from the past that would bring tears to his eyes because he would laugh so hard. He was early to rise so he could read the latest sales in the grocery stores and take Benji for his daily walk. He always had a passion for food and sharing this with others; whenever he made mondongo everyone knew. For his lifelong companion Paula he never missed a Valentine’s Day, anniversary, or birthday there was always gifts to be given and flowers to be woken up to. And even though he may not have been a man of many words, his character and loving aura was portrayed through his actions, a quality that only the most honorable and memorable obtain. His journey has come to an end here on earth, but the impacts he has made upon us will be forever ingrained in our hearts and souls.
As we navigate through these difficult times we remember the immediate family members that Cruz has impacted and left behind. He is survived by his loving wife Paula Zeno, his two daughters Sylvia I. Lamboy and Amelia Suarez, his granddaughters Rebekah L. Davis and Gabriela Suarez, 4 great grandchildren, and his siblings Willie, Saul, Hairam, and Carmen Maldonado.Those who preceded his passing are his son Ricky Maldonado, and his siblings Ruben, Manuel, and Eneida Maldonado. We ask that you keep them in your prayers.
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