“I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord.” Psalms 118:17

Alfredo "Aley" Cruz was born on November 10, 1958, in Brooklyn, New York, to Alfredo Cruz and Carmen Reyes Cruz. As the eldest of their children, Aley assumed responsibility at a young age, helping care for his younger siblings and supporting his mother. Those early experiences shaped the values that defined his life: selflessness, responsibility, and an unwavering devotion to family.

Aley attended Epiphany Catholic School in Brooklyn, and he embraced the values of faith, kindness, and generosity. He was known for always putting others before himself, believing that life's greatest purpose was to give rather than receive.

Following his parents' separation, the family faced many hardships and frequent moves throughout New York and New Jersey, which was a very difficult time in his life. Despite these challenges, Aley remained a source of strength, treating everyone with dignity and believing that there was good in every person.

In 1975, the Cruz family settled at 110 Humboldt Street. While attending Eastern District High School in Brooklyn, New York, he cultivated a lifelong passion for sports, with basketball becoming his favorite. His skill and cool demeanor on the court earned him the nickname "Ice Man." As a teenager, Aley served as a counselor with The Fresh Air Fund, mentoring young boys through camping, teamwork, and outdoor education. His quiet leadership and positive influence left a lasting impact on many lives, though he never sought recognition for his efforts.

In 1976, one of Aley’s biggest accomplishments was accepting a position at Clove Creek Farm in Poughquag, New York, owned by Franklin D. Roosevelt Jr, son of the former President, Franklin D. Roosevelt. There, he mentored city youth, helped oversee the farm's daily operations, and earned the deep respect and friendship of the Roosevelt family. His character, work ethic, and compassion opened doors to remarkable experiences, including a private visit to the Roosevelt home and library in Hyde Park.

In 1978, Aley met the love of his life, Gwen, and together they began a remarkable journey. After two years of courtship, they married and shared 47 wonderful years of love, partnership, and unwavering commitment. Together, they built a loving family of six, raising four children: Sharrell, Latrice, Chantel, and Alfredo Cruz III.

Aley found his greatest joy in being a husband and father. He created a home filled with love, laughter, music, and unforgettable memories. Whether it was family road trips with the music turned up, weekends at the pool, or enjoying his home-cooked meals together, Aley expressed his love by bringing his family together and creating moments they would cherish forever. He had a passion for driving and loved taking those he cared about on adventures, believing that time spent together was life's greatest gift.

More than anything, Aley was a devoted family man. His love extended beyond his own children, and he became a father figure and mentor to many whose lives were enriched by his kindness, guidance, and generous spirit.

Aley dedicated much of his professional life to serving others. He worked at AT&T on 10th Avenue in New York before continuing his career at J.P. Morgan, where he became known as one of the finest housekeepers in the business. For more than 35 years, he earned the respect of colleagues through his exceptional work ethic, humility, and unwavering pride in everything he did.

Alfredo Cruz Jr. was initiated, passed, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Luther King Lodge #28 under the jurisdiction of The Most Worshipful King Solomon Grand Lodge of New York, Inc, A.F.&A.M. in June of 1995.

While as an active member of the lodge, he was elected to the position of Junior Warden. He additionally became a member of the organization's "New York Club", whose noble purpose was to raise much-needed funds for scholarship and community service initiatives. Brother Cruz continued to toil for the organization and became not only one of its most-liked members but also one of its most dependable. He was always willing to help his Brothers and Sisters with any tasks that they needed assistance with. Always assisting with a smile and a peaceful "can-do" demeanor.  Through his service to his fellow Brothers and Sisters, he was elected to the King Solomon Grand Lodge Board of Directors.

He worked and served faithfully until his health began to fade. Though not as active a member as he was previously, he was then and still is now, loved and remembered by all that he fellowshipped and worked with throughout his Masonic career.

Aley's greatest pride and deepest joy were his children and grandchildren. While he loved many throughout his life, nothing brought a brighter smile to his face than being "Dad" and "Pop Pop." His legacy lives on through his beloved grandchildren: Imani Cruz, Shaielle Matta, Daniel Matta Jr., Sarai Matta, and Deegan Matta.

His grandchildren brought out the gentleness and youthful spirit that defined him. He treasured every opportunity to spend time with them, taking them on adventures throughout New York City, sharing his love of the outdoors and sports, and filling every moment with laughter, silly songs, and unforgettable memories. Aley had a special way of making each grandchild feel loved, valued, and cherished.

Above all, he wanted them to know the importance of faith. Whenever they told him, "I love you," he would smile and gently reply, "God loves you more." Those simple words reflected the foundation of his life—a heart rooted in faith, love, and the belief that God's love was the greatest gift of all.

His wife, children, and grandchildren were the greatest blessings of his life, and the love he poured into them will continue to live on for generations to come. Throughout his life, he remained a man of faith, humility, generosity, and quiet strength. He will be remembered most for the love he gave, the lives he touched, and the example he set for his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Aley was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Alfredo Cruz and Carmen Reyes Cruz. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 47 years, Gwen Cruz; his loving children, Sharrell Matta and her husband, Daniel Matta, Latrice Cruz, Chantel Cruz, and Alfredo Cruz III ("Diamond") and his partner, Jailin Morales; and his cherished grandchildren, Imani Cruz, Shaielle Matta, Daniel "DJ" Matta Jr., Sarai Matta, and Deegan Matta.

He is also lovingly remembered by his siblings, Alexander "Hondo" Cruz & wife Heidi Cruz, Johnathan "Jody" Cruz, Janette "Titi" Cruz, Yolanda Rosa, Evelyn Rodriguez, and Rolando "Lalo" Cruz & wife Jackie Cruz; his beloved aunt, Denise "Cookie" Garcia, and uncle, Nelson Garcia; his beloved inlaws: Thomasina Thomas, Laneisha Thomas (niece), David & Alice Smith, Roger & Shawna Smith, Stephine Smith. His godchildren, Janise Cruz, Evelyn "Niki" Rosario, Reggie Scarborough, Kawame Melton, Mensa Smith, and Carl Harris; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever touched by his love, kindness, and generosity.

Though Aley's presence will be deeply missed, the legacy of his faith, compassion, and unwavering devotion to family will continue to live on in all who knew and loved him. His life was a testament to love, service, and the simple truth he often shared: "God loves you more."