Roberto "Papo" Cruz, 71, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Born July 10, 1954, in Corozal, Puerto Rico, he was the son of the late Primitivo Cruz and Isabel Santiago.

A man of great work ethic and character, Papo spent many years with Cera-Met before serving with the Bethlehem Parking Authority. Outside of work, he was a gifted mechanic with a lifelong passion for cars. He was a familiar, active face at the local YMCA in Pottsville Pa., and he found his greatest joy in the simple pleasures: music, dancing, and raising his roosters and chickens.

Above all, Papo was a family man. He is survived by his devoted wife, Josefina Cruz (Franco Sanchez); his children, Roberto Cruz Jr., Jessica Cruz, and Areliz Cruz; and his stepchildren, Marta and Ramon Vega. He is also survived by his ex-wife, Carmen Santiago.

His legacy lives on through his fourteen grandchildren: Natalie, Joshua, Zaida, Gabriel, Zenida, Isaiah, Alicia, Aidan, Julian, Leilah, Jael, Arriana, Maya, and Hailey; and his great-granddaughter, Jamaya.

He will be deeply missed by his surviving siblings, Antonio, Carlos, Juan Carlos, Primitivo Jr., Elena, Margarita, Isabel, Brunilda, Iris, and Aurea, as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews. He was predeceased by siblings, Dario, Oscar, Angel, Hector, Gloria, and Diana.

To Papo, family was everything. He cherished every moment spent with his loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and strength that will continue to guide them.

Services : A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 13th at 11 AM at Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden St, Bethlehem, PA 18018. A calling hour will occur at 10 AM until the start of the service. Following the services, a burial will take place at Cedar Hill Memorial Park, 1700 Airport Rd, Allentown, PA 18109. Papo's arrangements have been entrusted to Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem. A memory tribute may be made at cantelmifuneralhome.com.

Contributions : In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Papo's name to The Church of St. Patrick, 319 Mahantongo St, Pottsville, PA 17901