The 58 year-old "Pops" who was born and raised in the Bronx, grew up playing ball for the local team that derived from the Millbrook Housing Development on 135th Street and Millbrook Avenue where he lived.

Cruz, Sr. never lost his passion for the game of basketball, and he seemed to have passed this love of the game onto his sons. After a business trip to Venice Beach, California back in 1999, Cruz and his family decided to bring street basketball closer to home. "Hoops in the Sun" was created, establishing itself as one of the premier basketball tournaments, and the only beachside tournament in New York City. However, no one ever thought that the visionary that made it possible wouldn't be around to see the sun set on 2004's summer action.

Cruz, Sr. had been involved with basketball for over 40 years, managing such well known tournaments as the Earl "The Goat" Manigault - "Walk Away From Drugs" tournament on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and the Ray Diaz Roundball Classic League in Manhattan, before starting "Hoops in the Sun" in the Bronx. Cruz also helped manage the popular Nike Pro-Am Summer basketball league at Hunter College in Manhattan before returning to launch his own tournament in his home borough.

Cruz, Sr. served in the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1969. He returned home at 23, battling nightmares from the war. He developed a drinking habit at the time, which caused for the deterioration of his liver. He was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver in 1979, and was on a list to receive a liver transplant for the past 25 years, he beat alcoholism and met his true love, Lydia, whom he married on September 17, 1977.

Cruz, Sr. a former Benjamin Franklin High School student, worked hard at the jobs he took to support his wife and family. He was the head salesman at Donte's Tuxedo on 83rd Street and York Avenue in Manhattan in his mid 20's, and one day he tailored a suit for Harley Greenfield, the President of Jennifer Convertibles. Greenfield was so impressed, he asked Cruz to join his company. Cruz worked for Jennifer Convertibles for 18 years, including the last 6 years as the Head of Sales Trainer.

Cruz, Sr. is survived by three brothers, Aaron, Duke and Danny, his sister Esther, and his wife Lydia and their two sons, Joe Jr. and Randy. He is also survived by his long time friend of 50 years, Benny Johnson and numerous friends from Millbrook. According to the family, he was also very proud of his friendship with legendary Rucker Park streetball player Earl "The Goat" Manigault, whom he went to high school with.