Cruz Nieves

Mr. Cruz Nieves, age 65, of Utica, passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2008 in the comfort of his home with his family by his side. Born in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico on May 20, 1943, Cruz was the son of the late Cruz Nieves and Maria Perez Nieves. He was raised and educated in Puerto Rico and in 1985 he came to New York City and then to Utica. The past 11 years he has shared his life and love with his devoted companion, Ramonita Mercado. The couple shared a mutual admiration and respect for one another, especially during the final journey of his life. A caring man who was a source of guidance and support for his family and friends, Cruz cherished the closeness of his loved ones and the accomplishment of being a respected father. He was a very active man and his life was filled with fun-loving times and memories of his numerous return trips to Puerto Rico to visit family. During his leisure time he loved to fish, a pastime he pursued with passion. He also enjoyed the excitement of games of chance and playing dominoes. Cruz is survived by his companion, Ramonita; his daughters, Evelyn Nieves of Puerto Rico, and Migdalia Nieves of Utica; his twin sons and their families, Wilson and Lizmarie Nieves, and Nelson and Maribel Nieves all of Puerto Rico, and his son, Manuel Nieves of New York City; his companion’s children who loved him very much, Jenny and Jose DeJesus, Marisol Vega, Maricele and Roberto Melendez, and Carmen and Edgardo Colon; his 11 grandchildren; and his great-grandchild. Survivors also include his sisters and brother-in-law, Maria and Cosme Lopez of FL, and Blanca Nieves Perez of Puerto Rico; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Wilson and Milta Nieves Perez of Utica, and Moises Nieves Perez and Margarita Valentin of Puerto Rico; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws. He also leaves his friends, Jamie Vega and “Sundown”, his fishing buddy. The family extends appreciation to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., especially Brenda Brothers; the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center 6th floor nurses and staff; Dr. Atul Butala and Dr. James Cimo, Dr. Gilbert Lawrence, Dr. Jorge Ferreiro; the Regional Cancer Center, and Lincare, Inc. for their professional devotion to Cruz. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Cruz’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday evening at 6:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Rev Martin Atayde officiating. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery on Thursday.

Cruz Nieves

May 20, 1943 - June 14, 2008