Kenneth R. Cruz

Kenneth R. Cruz, age 62, of Painesville passed away October 31, 2024, surrounded by many loved ones, at UH West Medical Center in Willoughby.   He was born January 4, 1962, in Cleveland to Hermes Cruz and Rosemarie (Damm) Cruz.

Kenneth was a graduate of North High School class of 1980. He worked at Avery Dennison in Painesville for many years. He was a member at St. Mary Church in Painesville. 

He counted it an honor to positively impact the lives of many throughout his coaching career. He coached his children for 20 years in many different sports including baseball and basketball. Family was very important to Ken, and every chance he had he would spend with his loved ones. You couldn’t find a picture of Ken without at least one of his grandchildren. He loved to speak words of wisdom to everyone around him, with great advice. Ken always had a listening ear without judgment and was a father figure to many people in life. Besides coaching, Ken also enjoyed fishing and bowling. He was able to bowl a 300 during his bowling career.  After his coaching career, he loved to watch his grandchildren’s sports. You would always see him in the stands cheering them on.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Barbara (Juzna) Cruz of 34 years; sons, Kenneth Cruz Jr. and Anthony Cruz; daughters, Jennifer Cruz, Shannon Cruz, Danielle (Jesus) Avila; grandchildren, Cooper, Rylin, Milena, Reign, Mateo, Luciano, Renata, Mila and Angelo; his parents, Hermes and Rosemarie Cruz; sisters Rose Espendez and Luann (Kevin) Sowers; sister-in-laws Kelli Cruz and Laura Mannion; brother-in-law Frank Juzna; and uncle to many. Kenneth is preceded in death by his late brother Alan Cruz

Family will receive friends from 1 to 4 PM Saturday, November 9th, 2024 at Prince of Peace Church, 7193 Reynolds Rd, Mentor, with a service to follow at 4 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name are suggested to Prince of Peace Church. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kenneth R. Cruz, please visit our floral store.