Humberto Grueiro

With our hearts filled with love and treasured memories, we celebrate the life of Humberto Grueiro, who passed away peacefully on January 30, 2025, in Linden, NJ. Humberto was the twelfth child born to Candelario and Flora Grueiro on May 27, 1937, in Havana, Cuba.

Humberto is finally at peace in eternity with his beloved wife, Maria Altagracia Grueiro, and with his former wife, Carmen Victoria Matta. He leaves behind a lovely, loving family who will hold him in their hearts forever. He is survived by his children: Alexa Grueiro and Giovanna Grueiro, as well as Debra Dzanis and her husband, Mark; Sandra Gonzalez and her husband, Tony Gonzalez; Humberto Grueiro, Jr. and his wife, Eve; and Charles Grueiro and his wife, Pat Ann.

His legacy of love will live on in his grandchildren, Kimberlee Cuciniello, Miranda Grueiro, Charles Grueiro, Kelly Gonzalez, Anthony Grueiro, Michael Grueiro, and Joseph Grueiro; his beloved great-granddaughter, Riley Grace Ketter; his extended family; and countless friends survived him. All attested to the fact that his warmth, wisdom, and kindness had touched them.

A Life of Resilience, Passion, and Love:

Humberto's journey began in Cuba, where a deep love for learning and an early passion for medicine had bloomed in him. But life had other plans, and with the change of the political situation, he took the rather brave decision to search for new horizons in the United States. He was welcomed into the family by his sister Marta and brother Felix, and he settled down in Brooklyn, NY, where he took on the family profession of shoemaking, which would define much of his working life. His adventurous spirit would later take him to Puerto Rico in the late 1960s, creating memories that would last with the growing family. He spent time in Paterson, NJ, embracing its fast-paced energy before settling in Elizabeth in the summer of 1984. There, he found stability: a quiet apartment, a steady job, and a close-knit community. Weekends were dedicated to driving to New York to visit family, share stories, and enjoy good food. Over time, Elizabeth became more than just a home; it was where he built lasting friendships, was surrounded by love, and realized that every step of his journey had led him exactly where he was meant to be.

Humberto was a man of many talents and endless curiosity. He loved the outdoors and shared that passion with his children: swimming, running, adventure. His thirst for knowledge never waned: whether he was earning his pilot's license, fixing cars, or becoming certified in medical billing and coding in his 60s, he lived with an unwavering drive to learn and grow.

During his career, Humberto made his mark as a plant manager for El Greco Shoes in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and later on as a foreman at S. Goldberg & Co. in Hackensack, NJ. More than a leader, he was a mentor—always ready to lend a hand by giving jobs to those in need and sharing his craft of slipper-making.

A Legacy of Brotherhood and Devotion:

In the late 1980s, Humberto found another family in Freemasonry when he joined Luz De Libertad No. 19 of West New York, NJ. He attained the prestigious rank of the 33rd degree of the Scottish Rite and thus became one of the stalwarts of his lodge. He made deep friendships there, and with pride, he would always share his Cuban heritage. His commitment to this fraternity mirrored his lifelong commitment to community, honor, and service.

Forever in Our Hearts:

Above all, Humberto was a man of unshakeable devotion: to family, work, and values. He stood up for the less privileged, fought challenges in life, and found happiness in simple moments. His love, wisdom, and generosity will always be with those who knew and loved him.

May he rest in peace, wrapped in the love he had so much freely given.

A memorial service for Humberto will be held Friday, February 7, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at KROWICKI MCCRACKEN FUNERAL HOME, 2124 East Saint George Ave, Linden, NJ 07036, followed by a prayer service from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM.