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May 28, 2026
Ramon Cruz lived a life defined by courage, love, and an unshakeable belief in what tomorrow could hold. A devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend, he passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 28, 2026, surrounded by the loving care of his family. He was 67 years old.
Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Ramon grew up as one of seven children in the family of Adriano and Lilliam Cruz. After graduating high school in 1975, he went on to study architecture at the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo. Three years into his studies, he made a bold and hopeful decision to leave everything familiar behind and immigrate to the United States in the early 1980s, chasing the promise of greater opportunity and determined to build a stepping stone of success for his siblings and the family he would one day have.
Upon settling in New York City, Ramon found work in construction, rising from apprentice to forging his own path in the industry. His entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to the automotive world, where in 1992 he founded Ray's Flat Fix. Through perseverance and an unwavering work ethic, the business flourished into two thriving locations on Manhattan's Upper East Side and in Inwood, which he proudly owned and operated for more than thirty-five years, rarely taking a day off. One of the greatest joys of his life was working alongside his sons, Ramon, Randy, and Anthony, and he was deeply proud of the active roles they each played in the business. Beyond his entrepreneurial success, Ramon was a respected pillar of his community, dependable, compassionate, and always ready to extend a helping hand, even if it meant giving the shirt off his back. Everyone knew they could turn to Ray, rain or shine. His generosity and selfless care for others made him a true beacon of hope and security for all who came to him.
In 1985, while attending English as a Second Language classes at Santa Rosa de Lima Church in New York, Ramon met a young woman named Dominga Lopez. They fell deeply in love, and on August 19, 1988, they were married. Together they made their home in the Bronx, where they welcomed their beloved sons, Randy and Anthony. In 2005, the family relocated to Wayne, New Jersey.
Outside of work and family life, Ramon had a lifelong passion for cars and racing. He was an active member of the Westchester Sports Car Club and the Sports Car Club of America, and over the years owned several racing and enthusiast vehicles, including his iconic 1991 red Toyota MR2. He also operated a small retail car sales company for many years, combining his entrepreneurial spirit with his love for automobiles.
Ramon was a loyal fan of the New York Yankees, the New York Knicks, and NASCAR, but above all else, his greatest passion was always his family. He treasured traveling the world, though his most cherished trips were those taken with loved ones to the Dominican Republic to visit family and vacation. He also deeply enjoyed the countless road trips they shared together to Florida, upstate New York, Indiana, and Washington, D.C., following his passion for competitive racing across the nation.
A man of deep Catholic faith, Ramon gave generously to churches within his community throughout his life. He possessed an extraordinary work ethic, lived selflessly, and quietly helped countless people without ever seeking recognition or praise. His infectious laugh and warm smile brought joy to everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was a wonderful role model, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
Ramon will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. He was truly a special person who touched the lives of everyone he met.
Ramon is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 38 years, Dominga, and his sons Ramon, Randy, and Anthony, who inherited his strength, his work ethic, and his heart. He is also survived by his future daughter-in-law Aliya Appelbaum, his cherished granddaughter Ciana, and his three sisters and three brothers. He is further survived by the Lopez family and his close friends, whom he embraced wholeheartedly as his own, and who loved him just the same. Together, they formed the large, warm, and deeply connected family that was always his greatest source of pride and joy.
Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 to 9:00 pm on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, NJ. Funeral services will be held at 8:15 am on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the funeral home, followed by a funeral Mass at 9:30 am at St. Gerard Majella RC Church, 501 West Broadway, Paterson, NJ.
Entombment will take place at East Ridgelawn Cemetery, 255 Main Avenue, Clifton, NJ.
If you would like to send a private condolence directly to the family use this condolence section.
May 28, 2026
Ramon Cruz lived a life defined by courage, love, and an unshakeable belief in what tomorrow could hold. A devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend, he passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 28, 2026, surrounded by the loving care of his family. He was 67 years old.
Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Ramon grew up as one of seven children in the family of Adriano and Lilliam Cruz. After graduating high school in 1975, he went on to study architecture at the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo. Three years into his studies, he made a bold and hopeful decision to leave everything familiar behind and immigrate to the United States in the early 1980s, chasing the promise of greater opportunity and determined to build a stepping stone of success for his siblings and the family he would one day have.
Upon settling in New York City, Ramon found work in construction, rising from apprentice to forging his own path in the industry. His entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to the automotive world, where in 1992 he founded Ray's Flat Fix. Through perseverance and an unwavering work ethic, the business flourished into two thriving locations on Manhattan's Upper East Side and in Inwood, which he proudly owned and operated for more than thirty-five years, rarely taking a day off. One of the greatest joys of his life was working alongside his sons, Ramon, Randy, and Anthony, and he was deeply proud of the active roles they each played in the business. Beyond his entrepreneurial success, Ramon was a respected pillar of his community, dependable, compassionate, and always ready to extend a helping hand, even if it meant giving the shirt off his back. Everyone knew they could turn to Ray, rain or shine. His generosity and selfless care for others made him a true beacon of hope and security for all who came to him.
In 1985, while attending English as a Second Language classes at Santa Rosa de Lima Church in New York, Ramon met a young woman named Dominga Lopez. They fell deeply in love, and on August 19, 1988, they were married. Together they made their home in the Bronx, where they welcomed their beloved sons, Randy and Anthony. In 2005, the family relocated to Wayne, New Jersey.
Outside of work and family life, Ramon had a lifelong passion for cars and racing. He was an active member of the Westchester Sports Car Club and the Sports Car Club of America, and over the years owned several racing and enthusiast vehicles, including his iconic 1991 red Toyota MR2. He also operated a small retail car sales company for many years, combining his entrepreneurial spirit with his love for automobiles.
Ramon was a loyal fan of the New York Yankees, the New York Knicks, and NASCAR, but above all else, his greatest passion was always his family. He treasured traveling the world, though his most cherished trips were those taken with loved ones to the Dominican Republic to visit family and vacation. He also deeply enjoyed the countless road trips they shared together to Florida, upstate New York, Indiana, and Washington, D.C., following his passion for competitive racing across the nation.
A man of deep Catholic faith, Ramon gave generously to churches within his community throughout his life. He possessed an extraordinary work ethic, lived selflessly, and quietly helped countless people without ever seeking recognition or praise. His infectious laugh and warm smile brought joy to everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was a wonderful role model, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
Ramon will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. He was truly a special person who touched the lives of everyone he met.
Ramon is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 38 years, Dominga, and his sons Ramon, Randy, and Anthony, who inherited his strength, his work ethic, and his heart. He is also survived by his future daughter-in-law Aliya Appelbaum, his cherished granddaughter Ciana, and his three sisters and three brothers. He is further survived by the Lopez family and his close friends, whom he embraced wholeheartedly as his own, and who loved him just the same. Together, they formed the large, warm, and deeply connected family that was always his greatest source of pride and joy.
Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 to 9:00 pm on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, NJ. Funeral services will be held at 8:15 am on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the funeral home, followed by a funeral Mass at 9:30 am at St. Gerard Majella RC Church, 501 West Broadway, Paterson, NJ.
Entombment will take place at East Ridgelawn Cemetery, 255 Main Avenue, Clifton, NJ.
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