Serapio Pedro Cruz, 77, of Palm Coast, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 4, 2024. Serapio was born in Havana, Cuba to Antonia Cruz and Pedro Pablo Cruz. He moved from Havana, Cuba to the United States in 1956. He was raised in and graduated from The Art High School in Newark, New Jersey.

Serapio was an extraordinarily talented artist who can seemingly turn his hand to draw anything. His passion for art was drawing cartoons and his dream was to become a cartoon artist. He received a full scholarship to Newark School of The Arts in Newark, but before he could finish his degree, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, but chose instead to enlist in the Marine Corps. He served in the Marine Corps until 1969 where he received a purple heart.

After serving in the military, he then served for the City of Camden Police Department where he retired as a Deputy Chief in the year 1999. After his retirement, he decided to explore becoming a landscaper, Jeweler, Postman, Claims Adjuster, and working for the Board of Education.

Serapio and his wife Doris moved to Palm Coast, FL in 2006. This new chapter of retirement consisted of an accomplished bucket list that included ziplining, tattoos, owning a motorcycle, skydiving, deep sea fishing, traveling, and most importantly, being baptized in the Jordan River in Israel on October 29, 2022. He was a man who enjoyed many adventures. Along the way, he made an impact on the lives around him with love, joy, and laughter.

Serapio truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures. He loved his wife, children, and especially his grandchildren. He devoted all his time and energy to making memories with each child. Some of his favorite moments were making pancakes, swimming, drawing, dancing and singing. We couldn't have asked for a better husband, father, grandfather, and public servant, and his memory will live on in our hearts and all who loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Doris Rivera-Cruz; his children, Barbara Campana (Jason), Peter Cruz, and Ileana Alicea (Felix); step-children, Duane Rivera and Tori Shohat (Michael); grandkids, Yesenia Alicea, Peter Cruz, Serapio Alicea, Giselle Alicea, and Reagan Cruz, step-grandkids, Xavier Hilton, Juliana Hilton, Jayden Hilton, Ajani Shohat, and Georgina Shohat; brothers, Carlos Cruz and Robert Garcia (Anabel); and countless family and friends.

Serapio's family would like to thank you for sharing this time with them and for all of your love and support during this difficult time. Your calls, cards, messages, and hugs were greatly appreciated. May God Bless You All.

The Memorial Service will be held Monday January 15, 2024 at 2:00 PM, First Baptist Church of Palm Coast, 6050 Palm Coast Pkwy NW, Palm Coast, FL 32137.

Graveside services with Military Honors will be held at 12:30pm Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims, FL.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to: First Baptist Church of Palm Coast, BFF (Building Fund), 6050 Palm Coast Pkwy NW, Palm Coast, FL 32137 .