Book of Memories for Juan Carlos Cruz

Condolence From Lisett Lebron

Sat, 05 Nov 2016 12:29:20 EDT

Class of 93 will hold you in our memories , with love always. Lisett

Condolence From Lisett Lebron

Sat, 05 Nov 2016 12:04:23 EDT

Class of 93 will always hold uou in our memories , with love.

Memorial Candle lit by

Fri, 04 Nov 2016 19:07:23 EDT

Jade Outten-Barthelus

Memorial Candle lit by

Fri, 04 Nov 2016 19:07:20 EDT

Jade Outten-Barthelus

Condolence From Waldner/Boehm Family

Fri, 04 Nov 2016 16:34:01 EDT

I was shocked to hear this terrible news about Coach Cruz. He left such an imprint on all the students and soccer players at Watchung Hills. Our deepest sympathies to Coach's Cruz's family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Rest in Peace Coach Cruz.

Condolence From Michael D'Alessio

Fri, 04 Nov 2016 14:07:29 EDT

larga barca vivo mi amigo Dios bendiga

Condolence From Erin Hodge

Fri, 04 Nov 2016 12:06:38 EDT

Cruz left a beautiful footprint in the lives of so many! He was always there with a kind word and a smile, a smile that brightened the hallways of "the Hills" community. Our memory of this great man will live on in all of our hearts.

Condolence From Shaun, Shray & Vijay Parimoo

Fri, 04 Nov 2016 00:18:40 EDT

Coach Cruz, It is obvious with the outpouring of emotion and support that you have touched so many young lives in a short few years as a great teacher and coach. But for most you were a lot more by simply being a friend, a listener who would go the extra mile in supporting them. And a great mentor. I witnessed it first hand with my boys every day for past 5 years and during my own interactions with you. Just couple of weeks ago at the relatively breezy and cold senior night you were handing coffees/hot choco to the kids at the bench. You always looked out for them all. I'd often stop by at practices or wait after games till you came out, so I could chat with you. I relished your interaction with my boys especially Shaun. I didn't realize Shray had also gotten so close to you over the last two years. He tells me he'd stop by your room or the Spanish class almost daily and chat with you at practices and games a little more than other kids. Shaun, Shray and I are devastated with the news. You meant so much to my kids. When Shray got injured last year during tryouts you told me that Shray will be fine in the Freshman team and I asked you , 'Coach Cruz - you don't understand. Shaun and I want Shray to play for you next 3 years. No one else'. I will remember how I picked on you for being like Shray's younger brother (Younger because Shray is way taller than you big guy) as Shray has same hair cut, tan, looks, speak Spanish with a funnier accent just like you :). And for being a fashion model. You are a very easy going fella. All of us are having a hard time understanding what just happened. We were at a college soccer tournament for Shaun and no sooner than when we pulled into our driveway Shray read the email and sank into his seat. Neither he nor I have recovered since. The pleasure of knowing you and the ache of knowing that we won't see you again is so overwhelming. I don't recall having non-stop tears since my own dad passed away as a teacher at age 35. I am sure your child will in due time learn what a splendid dad he has and become a great person just like you. We wish your wife, mom, dad, brothers, sisters, grand parents strength and guidance to bear with this calamity and leave you in His hands. You have left a crater of a hole in so many hearts of these youngsters and parents alike. You are truly one of a kind. We will miss you a lot and for a very long time but we will never ever forget you and the legacy you have left behind. My family is honored to have known you and feel fortunate to have our lives intersected. Rest in peace. Adios Amigo! Shaun, Shray & Vijay Parimoo

Condolence From Liliana Bohorquez

Thu, 03 Nov 2016 13:31:36 EDT

This is truly heartbreaking. Rest in Peace JC.

Condolence From Joe and Candy Karol

Thu, 03 Nov 2016 11:00:49 EDT

We are absolutely heartbroken to hear of Coach Cruz passing. Each year since 2000, we have presented the Defensive Animal Award at the soccer banquets in honor of our late son, Aaron. And each year we would see the love and respect that the players have for Coach Cruz. I also served as a sub at WHRHS and witnessed the affection his students had for this gregarious, super optimistic, friendly and caring teacher. For some reason, God needed Juan Carlos in His house. May He provide comfort to this great man's family, and may Coach Cruz memory live on at the Hills. God Bless you.

Condolence From Emma

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 21:33:16 EDT

It breaks my heart to lose a man so filled with love of life and joy. He made my school day enjoyable and I loved his class and him. He was not only a great teacher, but he was also a great person and role model for all of us. He will be forever remembered, as he affected me and thousands of others.

Condolence From Natacha Outten

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 19:48:17 EDT

I am very saddened to hear about Mr. Cruz passing. I got the pleasure of meeting him at the begaining of the school year... for my daughter Jade. My heartfelt condolences to the family.

Condolence From Riley

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 15:15:04 EDT

The news of Mr. Cruz passing has truly broken my heart. I had the pleasure of knowing him in my last Spanish class. Mr. Cruz has touched the lives of so many in the best way possible. His kind-heartedness and high spirits will live on through the halls of Watchung Hills. May he rest in the sweetest peace and know he is extremely missed by all.

Condolence From DePinho Familia

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 13:23:11 EDT

Oramos por su eterno Descanso y para que la paz y el Consuelo de Dios los acompane a su esposa y familia. We are so grateful that our children had the opportunity to known Sr. Cruz. he was a Mentor, teacher, best friend, inspired, but most of all "Extremely Caring Person". May the Lord give his wife, unborn Child and extended family the strength needed. Descanse en Paz Gran hombre!!!

Condolence From Edgar W. Jamison

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 13:05:44 EDT

Accept our most Heartfelt thoughts and Prayers in this most solemn of moments. The ITS Security Team.

Condolence From Suzanne Hevner

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 12:30:00 EDT

Clare, Thinking of you with much love and sorrow. In reading all the tributes, Juan Carlos's reach was wide - it is heartening to see the hundreds of students he has influenced in his time as a coach and teacher. His love and life will be with you always.

Condolence From John Marques

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 12:23:14 EDT

Señor Cruz, I don't really know where to begin. You were more than just a teacher or coach. You were my friend and my mentor. Above all else you pushed me to be a better human. You lived life to the fullest and taught us all what it meant to seize the day. Not a day will go by where I don't think of the great memories we had. Thank you for being the best friend a man could have asked for. Your life lessons, your charisma, your legacy, will not be forgotten. Forever in our hearts. Visca Barca Papi.

Condolence From Lisa Lontai

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 11:50:50 EDT

My son Josh had Senor Cruz as a teacher and he will be sadly missed. He had the ability to reach children and make them all feel important, intelligent, and wanted. Good bye Senor, you will be missed.

Condolence From Karen Cantor

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 11:23:12 EDT

I am deeply saddened by this tragic loss. In reading the outpouring of heartfelt tributes to Juan Carlos, it is clear that he touched countless lives and will live on in so very many memories. Clare and family, please know and take comfort from the fact that our hearts are with you in love and sympathy.

Condolence From Srini Chari

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 11:05:13 EDT

I was saddened to hear about this untimely passing of Juan Cruz. My children - Inesh and Rishabh - informed me over the weekend. They have good memories of Juan Cruz as a coach and Spanish teacher. May the Lord give his family the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. And may his soul Rest in Peace.

Condolence From Susan and Rory Feeley

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 10:32:27 EDT

Our son Liam adored Coach Cruz and spoke of him constantly with such love, respect and admiration. We are so grateful and blessed that he touched Liam's life in this way. A true role model. May God bring peace and comfort to his wife and all of his family in the days ahead. You will be always in our thoughts and prayers. He will never be forgotten and his spirit will forever live in the hearts of all those he touched. With love, The Feeley Family.

Condolence From Carri & Michael Levine

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 10:25:21 EDT

Our hearts go out to the family of Juan Cruz during this most difficult time in their lives. May all your wonderful memories of him be a blessing and may the many people whose lives he touched bring you comfort. We are so grateful that our daughter Haley had the experience of being in Señor Cruz's class last year. Her expression of sorrow and feelings of loss are a reflection of what a wonderful teacher, coach and person he truly was. Please accept our sincere condolences.

Condolence From Suzanne and Dan Gallic and family

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 10:19:57 EDT

Dear Clare, Our hearts break for your loss . We are grateful that Sebastian was able to have such a great man as a teacher. Be assured of our constant prayers for you and your son. Peace, Dan, Suzanne and family

Condolence From Deneen Kirstein

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 10:13:45 EDT

Our hearts are heavy today. May the family & friends of Mr. Cruz know the lasting impression he leaves on everyone he came in contact with. Take solace in knowing he touched so many. Words like "inspired", "mentor", "father figure", "admired", "wonderful", "loving", "caring", "beloved", "fantastic teacher", will forever be etched in our minds as his legency carries on. May his spirit now soar peaceful and know that his family will forever be taken care of.

Condolence From Amy Skrobacz

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 10:11:40 EDT

My daughter Elizabeth was deeply saddened by the passing of Senor Cruz. She had Mr. Cruz for Spanish for two years and he lit up the entire class. He always put the students first. Mr. Cruz will be missed by the entire community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Condolence From Chris and Noreen Conant

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 10:06:36 EDT

Clare, you and your family our in our thoughts and prayers.

Photo shared: whrhs memorial.jpg

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 10:04:12 EDT

Whrhs memorial

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Wed, 02 Nov 2016 10:03:38 EDT

#senorcruzday

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Wed, 02 Nov 2016 10:02:52 EDT

Photo shared: good times.jpg

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 09:57:41 EDT

Fun Friday's

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Wed, 02 Nov 2016 09:55:37 EDT

Papi Swag

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Wed, 02 Nov 2016 09:22:25 EDT

Cruz'n

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Wed, 02 Nov 2016 09:21:51 EDT

Photo shared: state game.jpg

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 09:19:27 EDT

State Game

Photo shared: senorcruzday.JPG

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 08:47:40 EDT

#senorcruzday

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Wed, 02 Nov 2016 08:47:03 EDT

Red Bull Game

Condolence From Vicki Price-Pennino

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 06:15:49 EDT

Our son thought the world of you. Many thanks to all you gave to our children. We send our condolences and blessings to your wife, your unborn son, and your extended family.

Condolence From Lisa

Tue, 01 Nov 2016 18:37:45 EDT

I am so saddened to hear about your loss... I wish I got to know you better, but I'm glad I got the chance to meet such a warm hearted and spirited person. You always had a smile on your face no matter when or where. You would constantly make us kids smile and laugh when you and Mr. Harabin would pop jokes and that's what made you such a great person, just the fact that making others happy is what made you happy. I always was close with your wife when I was in school; such a sweet genuine person which makes sense as to why you'd want to be with her, nothing but great things you brought to this world. It's so hurtful to accept the fact that such a good person was taken so soon, the good die young and you were taken way to soon... Rest in the sweetest peace Mr. Cruz, you're in all our hearts fly high. <3

Condolence From Amelia Lodato

Tue, 01 Nov 2016 18:20:29 EDT

I am so saddened at the loss of Juan Carlos. I have many good memories of him from when I worked at Watchung Hills and remember how we joked around and talked to each other across the hallway (his classroom was across the hall from mine). I am in such shock and disbelief. His life was cut way too short and he will be deeply missed.

Memorial Candle lit by

Tue, 01 Nov 2016 18:12:50 EDT

Patti Grunther

Memorial Candle lit by

Tue, 01 Nov 2016 18:11:39 EDT

Patti Grunther