http://archive.southcoasttoday.com/daily/05-04/05-13-04/zzzddobi.htm#XINDEX6
JOHN B. CRUZ JR.
NEW BEDFORD -- John Baptista "Duke" Cruz Jr., 76, of New Bedford died Monday, May 10, 2004, at St. Luke's Hospital after a brief illness. He was the husband of Ruth (Sylvia) Cruz.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late John B. and Justa (Pina) Cruz, he lived in New Bedford most of his life. He was a communicant of Our Lady of the Assumption Church.
Mr. Cruz formerly was a merchant seaman with Exxon Corp. He later worked at Stride Rite in New Bedford.
During World War II, he served in the Army and received the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation of Japan medal. He was a member of the Merchant Mariners Club and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Andrews-Dahill Post 1531.
He was an active member of William H. Carney Lodge No. 200 of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World since 1972. He held the seat of tiler for many years. He joined the Past Exalted Rulers Council No. 14 in 1974. He received the highest honor of past state president in 1986. He also received numerous honors throughout his years with the Elks. He was a mentor for many of the younger members.
Survivors include his widow; three children, Collins A. Kydd Jr. of New Bedford, Stephen Fontes Long of New York, N.Y., and Susan Ribeiro of St. Louis; a brother, Antone B. Cruz of New Bedford; two sisters, Mary Fortes and Olive Rose, both of New Bedford; four grandchildren, Bianca Long, Helena Long, Nsenga Ribeiro and Jonathan Ribeiro; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Edward B. Cruz and Margie Gomes.
His funeral Mass will be at 9 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of the Assumption Church; burial will be in St. John's Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St.
NEW BEDFORD -- John Baptista "Duke" Cruz Jr., 76, of New Bedford died Monday, May 10, 2004, at St. Luke's Hospital after a brief illness. He was the husband of Ruth (Sylvia) Cruz. Born in New Bedford, the son of the late John B. and Justa (Pina) Cruz, he lived in New Bedford most of his life. He was a communicant of Our Lady of the Assumption Church. Mr. Cruz formerly was a merchant seaman with Exxon Corp. He later worked at Stride Rite in New Bedford. During World War II, he served in the Army and received the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation of Japan medal. He was a member of the Merchant Mariners Club and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Andrews-Dahill Post 1531. He was an active member of William H. Carney Lodge No. 200 of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World since 1972. He held the seat of tiler for many years. He joined the Past Exalted Rulers Council No. 14 in 1974. He received the highest honor of past state president in 1986. He also received numerous honors throughout his years with the Elks. He was a mentor for many of the younger members. Survivors include his widow; three children, Collins A. Kydd Jr. of New Bedford, Stephen Fontes Long of New York, N.Y., and Susan Ribeiro of St. Louis; a brother, Antone B. Cruz of New Bedford; two sisters, Mary Fortes and Olive Rose, both of New Bedford; four grandchildren, Bianca Long, Helena Long, Nsenga Ribeiro and Jonathan Ribeiro; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Edward B. Cruz and Margie Gomes. His funeral Mass will be at 9 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of the Assumption Church; burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Arrangements are by Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St.