Cruz Amaro Fonseca, "Papi" was born May 3,1931 in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico.  He was the eldest son of Cecilio Amaro and Francisca Adino.

Cruz arrived in Florida, contracted to harvest tomato fields, orange groves and vegetable farms.  As he migrated up the East Coast with just a grade school education, he found a better job as a Security Guard in Philadelphia at "The Market Place" located on 7900 Tinicum Ave.  That is where he met his beloved wife Shirley Fonseca (nee Vales).  It was love at first sight.

They began to date for a number of years.  Cruz asked to join the Vales family and was accepted by Mrs. Vales as she found him to be a trustworthy and loyal addition to her family.

In 1959 Cruz returned to Puerto Rico with his new love for his family to meet.  They were happy.

Papi was a proud man, a sharp dresser, great dancer (life of the party) and classic Bar-BQue griller. With a Sombrero on his head and Miller light in hand.  He moved into a position at Botany 500 and remained a loyal employee until the building was sold in 1972.  He and Shirley stood together through the highs and lows in life.  They always managed to have fun and support the family that had embraced him.

Soon enough, Papi was working as a Porter Supervisor at The Medical Arts Building located at 16th and Walnut Street in Philadelphia.  He supervised a team of employees and was elected their Union Stewart for a number of years.  Cruz and Shirley married in 1997 soon after his retirement from the Medical Arts Building. Their life-long courtship had become their new beginning.

Their union begat no children of their own. However, they inherited many nieces and nephews through each of their families. Their love, laughter and tears lasted over 68 years.

You never saw one without the other.

Papi experienced his transition on December 24, 2025 at 94 years old. He leaves a legacy of love and loyalty to his wife, Shirley; Bro. Luciano, Santos, Haroldino; Sis. Valentina. Brothers-in-law James and Carl, Sisters-in-law Ida and Rebecca.  Nieces:  Abbie, Irene, Iris, Dianna, Valerie, Tanya, Denise, Sheila, Linda, Michelle and Celeste; Nephews:  Carlis, Thomas and Joey.  A host of Great Nephews including Caleb, Matthew, Nolan, Devon, James Vales Jr., James Smalls Jr. and David.  Great Nieces:  Rayelle, Brianna, Aliyha, Azariah, and many special friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Saturday, January 3rd from 2:00 – 3:00 PM at the Farnelli Funeral Home, 504 N. Main Street, Williamstown, where a service will be held at 3:00 PM. Cremation will be held privately following services and interment will take place privately at Woodbury Memorial Park.

****Farnelli Funeral Home is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Cruz A. Fonseca
Time: Jan 3, 2026 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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