Carmelo Cruz Caban, affectionately known as “Melo,” age 81, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, passed away peacefully with his loving daughter Maria del Carmen Cruz Gonzalez by his side on November 12, 2025 at his residence. Born on April 13, 1944, in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, Carmelo was the beloved son of the late Cruz Cruz and Luis Cruz. Raised in Aguadilla, he relocated to Bridgeport in the 1950s, where he built a life centered around faith, family and love.
Carmelo was a charismatic, God-fearing, loving, caring, and a humorous man whose presence could brighten any room. He deeply loved his partner, Carmen Nieves, and took immense pride in his daughters, Maria Del Carmen Cruz Gonzalez and Angelita Cruz. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his heart’s greatest joy—he spoke of them often, always with the biggest smile.
A man of strong faith, Carmelo loved going to church and praising the Lord. He was grateful for every blessing in his life and carried himself with kindness, humility, and generosity. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand whenever he could.
Carmelo worked diligently throughout his life. In the 1980s, he owned convenience stores in Puerto Rico and he worked for the Remington Factory until his retirement.
He is predeceased by his parents, Cruz Cruz and Luis Cruz, and his siblings Ramon Cruz and Ramona Cruz.
Carmelo is survived by his loving partner, Carmen Nieves; his cherished daughters Maria Del Carmen Cruz Gonzalez and Angelita Cruz; son-in-law Ventura Gonzalez; his treasured grandchildren: Joseph Cruz, Yomaira Salaman, Xiomara Vazquez, Amanda Nieves, Claudia Hollister, and Joshua Baker; his adored great-grandchildren: Rowan Cruz, Jesiny Rivera, Jamira Rivera, Mirabel Cruz, Eliana Cruz, Scarlett Vazquez, Camila Meléndez, Sophia Meléndez, Liam Salaman, Kalea Salaman, Kalani Salaman, and Joaquín Meléndez; siblings Mateo Cruz, Maria Cruz, Angelina Cruz, Antonia Cruz, Lydia Cruz, Carmen Cruz, Jose Cruz, Rosa Cruz and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousin and extended family and friends who will forever cherish his memory.
Friends may greet the family November 18, 2025 4:30pm to 6:00pm and November 19, 2025 from 10:00am to 11:00am. Interment will be held at Lakeview Cemetery, 885 Boston Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06610. Light a virtual candle or share a memory at communityfuneralchapels.com
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