Neftali Acevedo Cruz

Neftali Acevedo Cruz, 90, passed away on January 19, 2026, in Goshen, Orange County, New York. He was born on June 10, 1935, in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, to Susana Cruz and Ignacio Acevedo, who both preceded him in death. He was also predeceased by his younger brother, Joseph Acevedo Cruz.

As a young boy, Neftali moved to New York with his parents between 1946 and 1950, beginning a lifelong connection between Puerto Rico and New York that would shape his journey. A hardworking and determined man, he built a life rooted in family, resilience, and entrepreneurship.

Neftali was widely known for his skilled work as a piano tuner in New York City, a profession that reflected both his technical precision and appreciation for music. In addition to his primary trade, he pursued business ventures of his own, owning and operating a bodega and later a pizzeria in Brooklyn, New York. His entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to work hard defined much of his life.

In 1955, he married Antonia Adelaida Lopez, and together they raised five children: Daisy Acevedo, Nancy Acevedo, Mary Acevedo-Bonilla, Nathan Acevedo, and Yolanda Acevedo-Valentin. Though their marriage ended in the late 1970s, the family they built together remained a lasting part of his legacy. Over the years, he became the proud grandfather of 23 grandchildren and the great-grandfather of 18 great-grandchildren.

He later married Blanca Ortiz, with whom he remained until his passing. Through this union, he became stepfather to Elizabeth Cordero Ortiz and Elie “Chino” Cordero. They, along with their children and grandchildren, lived in Puerto Rico and were part of his extended family.

In 1983, following the passing of his mother, Neftali returned to Puerto Rico. There, he embraced another chapter of entrepreneurship, operating a food truck for over 20 years and serving Puerto Rican food to his community. Even after retiring around 2004, his strong work ethic led him back to the food truck part-time by 2012, simply to stay active and earn extra income doing what he knew best.

In 2020, Neftali returned to New York, where he remained until his passing.

Neftali leaves behind a large and loving family. His legacy lives on through the generations he helped shape, the businesses he built, and the many lives he touched both in New York and Puerto Rico.

He will be remembered for his resilience, independence, and dedication to providing for his family. He was laid to rest on January 23, 2026 in Cypress Hills Cemetery, forever in the hearts of his family.