John A. Cruz

John Antone Cruz, 73, of 7 Weaver Avenue, Newport, died Thursday, June 10, 2004 at Newport Hospital Newport, RI.He was the husband of Calleen ?Cookie? Baker Cruz. Born at home in Newport, RI, on Burnside Avenue, on September 27, 1930, he was the son of the late Antonio and Edith Cruz. Mr. Cruz served in the United States Army, during the Korean War. After serving in the Military he went to work at NUSC in the shipping and receiving department for 25 years, retiring in 1994. He also worked at Salve Regina University, Rose Petal Florist in Middletown and most recently at Easton?s Beach as a security guard. Mr. Cruz was a member of Vasco da Gama Holy Ghost Society, the Middletown Senior Citizens Center and a former member of the Elks Lodge in Newport. Johnny loved life and was full of life, always ready to help anyone in need. He loved riding his chappy around the ocean drive, he loved the beach, his faithful dogs Hans Heidi. He was always puttering around, working on his cars. Johnny was a devoted family man that didn?t waste a minute of his life. ?A Good Man.? Besides his wife of 40 years he is survived by two sons John A. Cruz Jr. of Middletown, RI, and Robert William Cruz of Newport, RI, three daughters Ann P. Curtis of Burlington, NC, Karen M. Livingston of South Kingstown, RI, and Dawn E. Cochran of Newport, RI, two sisters Anna Trudell and Mary Roderigues both of Middletown, RI, nine grandchildren Sarah Curtis, Jacob Curtis, Michaela Curtis, Christina Cruz, Bradley Cruz, Kevin Cruz, Cody Cruz, Brooke Livingston and Julia Livingston and one great granddaughter Sarah Marie Cruz.His funeral will be held on Monday, June 14, 2004, at 8:00 AM from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, with a Mass of Christian burial at 9:00 AM in Jesus Saviour Church, Broadway And Vernon Avenue, Newport. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown. Donations in his memory may be made to the Artifical Kidney Center, 22 Hurst Lane, Tiverton, RI 02878.