Rafael Cruz 1935-2025

Rafael, the son of Teodoro Cruz Sr. and Luz Maria Lugo Cruz, was born Oct. 24, 1935, in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

Rafael graduated from Ponce High School in Puerto Rico in 1954. Shortly after, at the age of 19, he moved to the United States to join his father and got a job working on an agricultural farm in Geneva. He helped his father to save money so they could bring his siblings and his mother to the United States.

In 1957, he was hired at Calex Corporation (formerly Campbell Sash) in Campbell, where he worked until 1966, when he was hired at General Motors in Lordstown. He would retire from General Motors in 1999.

In 1958, Rafael traveled to Cuba with co-workers and the owners of Calex Corporation on a company trip that was entirely paid for by the owners of the company. It was the trip of a lifetime for him. He often talked about the time he spent in Cuba.

Rafael married Vionilda “Linda” Pacheco, his beloved wife, who were united in faith and love for 65 years, on July 9, 1960.

He was a man who loved spending time with his family. He loved being outdoors and having fun at family reunions, spending time with his children and their families, and sharing quality time with his siblings and their families. He was an avid runner, often seen at Roosevelt Park jogging to get his exercise time in. He loved exercising and never stopped until he became ill this year. He participated in three Peace Races in Youngstown. In 1997, he placed second at the age of 61 in the 10K Peace Race in 47:55 in the Men’s 60-64 Category. It was something he was very proud of. He encouraged all his family to exercise and stay healthy. It was something he truly believed in, and it was how he lived his life.

He was a faithful servant to God, serving in various roles, including Sunday school teacher, deacon, usher, treasurer, youth counselor and other roles at Spanish Evangelical Church, First Spanish Baptist Church and Unity Baptist Church, where he had been a member for 30 years.

Rafael was preceded in death by his parents, Teodoro Cruz Sr. and Luz Maria Lugo Cruz; his brothers, Angel Manuel and Roman; his nephew, Victor Cruz; and his grandson, Conner.

Rafael will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Vionilda “Linda” Cruz; his children, Nancy (Ruben) Montalvo of Jamestown, Pa., Yvette (Richard) Cruz-Evans of Columbus and Rafael (Ivelyth Figueroa) Cruz Jr. of Youngstown; six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Marta Valentin of Youngstown, Jose Ramon (Carmen Milagros Silva) Cruz of Campbell, Teodoro Jr. (Ann Flores) of Youngstown, Wilfredo (Janice Totin) of Canfield, Orlando (Milagrosa Jimenez) of Canfield, Victor (Mary Calderon) of Youngstown, Maritza (Israel) Maldonado of Campbell, Brunilda (Jose) Reyes of Campbell and Lynette (Roberto) Arroyo of Youngstown; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends may call 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at Spanish Evangelical Church, 369 Keystone Ave., Youngstown, followed by a 3 p.m. funeral service, with Pastor Sarah Cruz-Banks officiating.

The family would like to thank Patriot Hospice for the care they gave Rafael and the courtesy they patiently extended to his family, and Spanish Evangelical Church for allowing the use of their facility for the funeral service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman. Family and friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family and support by visiting the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com.

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