Cruz O. Rosa

Cruz Ortiz Rosa, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, uncle, Christian, friend, and dedicated servant to his community – a true hero - peacefully entered eternal rest on June 24, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Cruz leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service that will continue to inspire all who were privileged to know him. Born on September 14, 1931, in Comerio, Puerto Rico and arriving in Bridgeport, CT in 1951, Cruz grew up with strong values of integrity, perseverance, compassion, and a joyful inner child that endeared him to everyone around him. These qualities would come to define his life and the countless lives he touched. For over 65 remarkable years, Cruz shared a loving and steadfast marriage with his wife, Martina. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support — centered on the values of kindness, humility, generosity, and humor - qualities that shaped their family and inspired all who witnessed their partnership. As a devoted father, Cruz took immense pride in nurturing his children's dreams and guiding them with compassion, integrity, and wisdom. He believed in leading by example, instilling in his family the values of faith, hard work, and the importance of giving back. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren often recount the joy of his laughter, the power of his words, and the quiet strength of his presence. His rare inner beauty and radiant smile lit up the hearts and lives of others, both in times of joy and sorrow. Known for his wit, warmth, and approachable demeanor, Cruz was a confidant and father figure to many who will carry forward his legacy of love and devotion. A man of Christian faith, Cruz lived a life guided by his unwavering belief in love, forgiveness, and service to others. He was an active member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church where his faith radiated in every aspect of his life, guiding him through challenges and triumphs alike, and in bringing comfort and hope to those around him. Cruz was a trailblazing pioneer and servant to his community. Cruz’s accomplishments are many and varied at both local City of Bridgeport and State of CT levels. From humble beginnings as a U.S. Army Korean War veteran and steelworker for 20 years at Patterson Steel, Cruz’s star would shine even brighter entering State of CT employment where he became the Chief Court Interpreter for the State of CT Judicial Department. During his 35-year tenure serving the State of CT, Cruz founded the Hispanic Outreach Program and held distinguished roles as Commissioner for the Bridgeport Fire Department, Housing Authority, Charter Revision Commission, and most recently, Board of Parks and Recreation. Cruz also held board memberships for Honor Court, Guenster House, Regional Network of Programs, Action for Bridgeport Community Development (ABCD), and the Spanish American Development Agency (SADA). As a proud Puerto Rican identifying as ‘Taino’, Cruz also served as President of the Puerto Rican Day Parade running fundraising events and attaining sponsorships to aid the Puerto Rican community. Throughout his storied career, Cruz turned his knack for numbers into an income tax preparation business, Rosa’s Taxes, where he serviced over 5,000 clients, fully retiring at 92 years old and turning the business over to his children. Whether through his involvement in local or state initiatives, his leadership in community development projects, or his tireless volunteer work, Cruz dedicated his life to making his community a better place. His visionary ideas and selflessness earned him the respect and admiration of friends, colleagues, and the community alike. He believed in leaving the world better than he found it, and his legacy continues to resonate in those that were privileged to know him. Beyond his many accomplishments, Cruz will be remembered for his warm heart, hisgenuin e interest in others, and his ability to make everyone feel valued and seen. He had a gift for finding beauty in the simple moments of life, whether helping others, savoring good food with loved ones, taking nature walks with his grandchildren, dressing up as Santa Claus, telling hilarious stories, offering kind words to strangers, or simply being the solid rock to his tremendous family. Cruz is survived by the love of his life, Martina Rosa and his nine living children, C. Alberto Rosa (Ramonita), Iris N. Cuevas (Chuito), John C. Rosa (Diana), Mary J. Rosa (Terry), A. Laurie Rosa, Maureen R. DeJesus (DJ), Joseph Rosa (Rosie), Marisol Rosa-Gonzalez (Roberto), and Maritza Rosa (Manny). His legacy continues through 20 grandchildren, 29 great- grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Cruz shares a special bond with his last living beloved brother, Marcelo Ortiz, adoring nieces and nephews, and a host of extended family and friends who will forever hold his memory close to their hearts. He is preceded in death by five sisters and two brothers. 

A celebration of Cruz’s incredible life will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025 at 10:00 am at Luz de Paz, followed by burial with military honors at Lawncroft Cemetery at 1:30 pm. Though our hearts ache in his absence, we find comfort in the knowledge that his spirit lives on in the love he shared, the faith he practiced, and the legacy he leaves behind. Cruz’s life was a testament to the power of kindness, faith, and dedication, and he will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him. May he rest in peace, and may his memory be a source of light and inspiration to us all reminding us to laugh, to love, and to embrace life as beautifully as he did.