Hiram Cruz

Hiram Cruz, age 69, of Lorain, died on Sunday, April 3, 2005 at his residence, following a brief illness.

He was born on January 6, 1936 in Coamo, Puerto Rico, moving to Lorain 55 years ago.

He was employed as an inspector for the Ford Motor Company, Lorain for 33 years, retiring in 1993.

Hiram was a member of the House of Praise International, Lorain, where he was a former treasurer, he served on the Worship Team, Founding Leadership Team, Maintenance Team, supervised and was instrumental in the building of the church.

Hiram was a self taught leader, he volunteered at Sacred Heart Chapel Credit Union for 20 years, he loved his family and friends, cooking, built and played his own acoustic guitar, loved music, building things from wood, gardening, bowling, traveling, auto mechanic and was a great story teller.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years: Ermelinda (nee Lopez), sons: Javier Cruz, of Elyria, Oscar Cruz, of Marshville, North Carolina, Louis Hiram Cruz, of Lorain, daughters: Maritza Althiede, of Elyria, Yolanda Alford, of Vermilion, Mayda Cruz, of Lorain, 9 grandchildren, 3 brothers: Miguel Cruz, of Lorain, Hector Cruz, of New Jersey and Samuel Cruz, of Puerto Rico, 2 sisters: Carmen Samper of New York, Adria Vargas, of Puerto Rico, numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Francisco and Juana (nee Santos) Cruz, and brothers: Nelson and Roberto Cruz.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 6, 2005 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in the House of Praise International Church, 4321 Elyria Avenue, Lorain, where funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Gilbert Silva, pastor will officiate. Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park. The Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain, is handling the
arrangements.