Antonio Rhadames Cruz

Antonio Rhamades Cruz, age 38, of Wayne passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday May 29, 2020 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Antonio was born and raised in Manhattan and was one of three children to Zoraida Gonzalez.  While growing up in New York City as a young man, Antonio learned a great many lessons that would affect his life and his character.  When Antonio was in High School, he always stuck up for those who were being picked on or bullied.  Many of the fellow students that he so willingly stuck up for were not even his friends, Antonio was just interested and motivated in “doing the right thing.”

After graduating from high school with the class of 1998, Antonio attended the Brooklyn School of Technology, which is now known as the New York City College of Technology.  Antonio graduated in 2004 and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree.  Antonio found work quickly in the Information Technology field working remotely from home for several different companies.  In 2005 his career led him to move to London, England where he remained for about two years.  In 2007, Antonio moved back to the United States where he again worked for a few different start-up companies including CDI based in Massachusetts for two years, and his most recent position at a company called ICF.

In 2008, Antonio met an attractive young lady by the name of Jenelle Eng online at OkCupid.com, which at the time was not as popular and accepted as today’s online dating services.  Antonio and Jenelle decided to meet after work one day.  The two of them were working in midtown Manhattan at the time and went for a cup of coffee at a bakery near to Jenelle’s office.  After having their coffee, Antonio and Jenelle took a stroll through Central Park.  Antonio then escorted Jenelle to where she picked up her bus, and Jenelle then headed home to Queens, NY.  As fate would have it, the two fell in love and dated for many years.  On December 19, 2017 Antonio and Jenelle became husband and wife and welcomed the birth of their first and only child Antonio Eng Cruz.  Antonio and his family remained in Manhattan until October of 2019 when they moved to Wayne, NJ.

One of Antonio’s favorite pastimes was reading, particularly self-improvement or self-help literature.  Antonio was always trying to improve himself and make his life better.  Being able to help yourself and make good decisions was something Antonio wanted desperately to pass on to his son.  Antonio was also motivated to improving the lives of others, he spent a lot of his spare time online connecting with others and trying to help them.  He would often chat with young people who seemed to be at a crossroad in their life, particularly military veterans, and offer advice.  Much of the advice that Antonio would offer to others was based on everyday life situations.  Antonio always felt a great sense of reward when he was able to help someone with his advice.  Improving and fixing things carried over when the family moved to Wayne and bought their house.  Home ownership gave Antonio an abundance of opportunity to “fix and improve” a great many things and situations.  Antonio was a subtle but funny guy and was the type of person that you couldn’t help but like.  Apart from all of Antonio’s interests and talents, his greatest passion was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Antonio than providing for, and spending time with his wife, son and family.  Antonio was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people.  He will be missed sincerely by everyone that knew him.

Antonio is survived by his wife Jenelle Cruz (nee Eng) of Wayne, his son Antonio Eng Cruz of Wayne, his mother Zoraida Gonzalez of New York City, one sister Christina Pagan of New York City, his half-brother Michael A Cruz and his wife Tessa of Leander, TX, his uncle Mario Gonzalez of New York City, two nieces; Jessica Cruz and Savanah Cruz both of Leander, TX, and his cousin Grant Cruz of New York City.