Funeral services were held Dec. 10 for Rafael “Papo” Cruz, Jr. 61, of West New York, formerly of Hoboken. He passed away Dec. 7. A retired Hoboken police captain, Ray was a member of the Hoboken Police Benevolent Association Local 2, the Hudson County Hispanic Police Association and the Hoboken Police Superior Officers Association. Born in Puerto Rico, Ray was appointed to the Hoboken Police Force in 1973 and retired as a police captain in 2002.
Surviving are his mother, Petra; three sons, Matthew, Keith, and Sean; six brothers, Hoboken Police Sargent Edgardo, Hoboken Police Lieutenant Kevin Cruz, Dwayne, Carlos, Eddie, and Edwin Cruz; three sisters, Ivette, Maria, and Clara; eight grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. Also surviving is his wife, Michele. Ray was predeceased by his father, Rafael Sr. and a wife, Gail Molico. Services arranged by the Failla Memorial Home, Hoboken.