Captain Albert Silva DeCruz, Jr.

Captain Albert Silva DeCruz, Jr., 76, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2019.  He was born in Jersey City to Albert Silva DeCruz, Sr. and Lillian (nee Gleason) DeCruz.  Albert was a U.S. Navy veteran. After He was honorably discharged, he joined the U.S. Merchant Marine. He started as an Able Body Seaman for MSTS (Military Sea Transport Service) now Military Sealift Command during the Vietnam War on troop transport ships. Afterwards, he spent most of his career working out of New York Harbor for Mobil Oil Transportation, Inland Fleet. It was at Mobil where he came up the “Hawsepipe” and rose from an Able Body Seaman to a licensed Master of Inland, Bays, Rivers and Sounds. After 30 plus years, Mobil Oil dissolved their fleet of vessels and Captain “Al” continued to work in the harbor aboard ferries, excursion boats and just about anything that floated. His last 10 years before he retired in 2017 was at the NYC Department of Transportation Staten Island Ferries. He spent his time there establishing memorable friendships and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with all the sailors he had the opportunity to work with.  Captain “Al” spent his free time building ship models, restoring his classic canal tug “Patriotic” and most of all with his Grandchildren. He was also a member of the NJ Naval Militia and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Ella “Shirley” DeCruz; his son, John DeCruz (Daughter In-Law Marcia DeCruz), Daughters; Helena Ann DeCruz and Donna Oviedo, (Son In-Law Jesus Oviedo).  He was proceeded in death by his Son Albert Silva DeCruz III; Grandchildren; Benjamin Albert DeCruz, John Jason DeCruz Jr., Shannon Miller, Daniel Miller and a host of family and friends.

Visitation is on Thursday, September 19, 2019 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Riotto Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 3205 John F. Kennedy Blvd. Jersey City. (For GPS navigation, it is best to use our parking lot address: 14 Stagg Street, Jersey City). Funeral services will occur on Friday, September 20, 2019 from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM at the funeral home.  Funeral mass is at 10:00 AM at St. Aedan's Church, 800 Bergen Ave., Jersey City.  Interment to follow at Arlington Cemetery, 748 Schuyler Ave., Kearny, NJ.