It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, husband, and brother, Jose A. Cruz.

Jose was born in the countryside of Cidra, Puerto Rico, to the late Juanita Rivera and Carmelo Cruz. At the age of 9, when his family moved to Queens, New York, he embraced the challenges of learning English, and his family’s journey led him from Queens to Camden, New Jersey, where he grew up alongside his siblings, Wanda, Maria, and the late Jose N. (Tito).

At the tender age of 13, he lied about his age to begin working as a busboy at the Latin Casino in Cherry Hill. There, he fondly recalled meeting iconic performers like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Ray Charles, and The Supremes. He also worked at Charles Brates, a men's clothing store, and through his dedication, paid for most of his tuition at Camden Catholic High School, where he developed a passion for football.

Jose went on to study communications at Glassboro State College, where he also served as co-captain of the football team, earning the nickname “Taz” for the Tasmanian Devil, on the field. It was after completing his bachelor’s degree that he met the love of his life, Briggitte, in 1978. They crossed paths while Jose was working as a bouncer at the club In the Mood in Magnolia. His charm, kind heart, and muscles won her over, and together, they built a loving family with four children: Daniele Greiner (Christopher), Justin, Jarrett (Cara), and Tylar (Felicia), and three cherished grandchildren: Cecelia, Marshall, and Lincoln.

Jose's professional career spanned more than 40 years with New Jersey Transit, where he started as an investigator and worked his way up to claims manager. His dedication to providing for his family was unwavering, often taking on overnight jobs to ensure their well-being.

Jose was a man of deep faith, boundless humor, and genuine warmth. His love for God was unwavering, guiding him to see the good even in the darkest moments. He lived life with a lighthearted spirit, never allowing the little things—or even the big ones—to weigh him down, often reminding us that it’s all small stuff in the end.

Jose delighted in the simple pleasures of life—laboring for hours over his famous pernil for the holidays, jamming out to both classic and newly discovered rock music, immersing himself in a good book, dabbling in poetry, or kicking back and watching the New Orleans Saints. He had a deep appreciation for his wife’s cooking, but nothing brought him more joy than sharing laughter with family, even if it meant a little cheating at cards or dominoes.

As we say goodbye, we take comfort in knowing that Jose is now walking with God, free from pain, likely tossing around the football, and cracking a few silly jokes, with that same giggle and mustachioed smile that will forever be in our hearts.

Jose will be dearly missed by his wife Briggitte (nee Palermo), his children Daniele Greiner (Christopher), Justin Cruz, Jarrett Cruz (Cara), Tylar Cruz (Felicia Tomer), sisters Wanda Cruz and Maria Burgos (Bobby), and also by his beloved in-laws: Sue Palermo, Bonnie and Ben Shipley, Sandy Shipley, Michele Scherr Hunt, step-siblings Jessica, Victoria, and Macho, nephews Carlos, Joey, Jazz, and Joshua, and nieces Wanda and Gina, along with dear friends and colleagues.

Gifts of tribute may be made to the STXBP1 Foundation, in memory of Jose A. Cruz. 

Services will be private, at Jose’s wishes.

To direct questions to the family, please contact McGuinness Funeral Home, Woodbury, New Jersey.