Norberto Jose Franco da Cruz, age 76, of Somerset, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at St. Anne’s Hospital with his wife alongside him. He was the beloved husband of Sharon MacNair Da Cruz, with whom he shared 9 wonderful years of marriage.
Born in St. Michael, Azores, Norberto was the son of the late Leonel and Maria (Franco) da Cruz. Norberto was a CDL driver for over 45 years. He was very proud of his record of “no accidents”. His many jobs included Pilgrim Casket Co., Crown Linen, Building 19 (which he said was the best job because he met Sharon) then finally retired from Purity Linen Services in New Bedford in 2020 at the age of 70.
A true enthusiast of antique cars, he owned many. Norberto had a special fondness for his prized 1970 Mustang convertible. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family and friends. He was very proud to be an American and loved this country.
In addition to his wife Sharon, Norberto is survived by his son, Scott da Cruz; his siblings: Amilcar da Cruz, Esther Dameron and her husband Danny, Pamela Mason and her husband David, Larry da Cruz, Gabriel da Cruz, and Maria Constance da Cruz; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was the father of the late Krystal da Cruz.
His funeral will be held Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 12:00 PM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Rose E. Sullivan, 866 County Street, Somerset followed by burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Somerset. Relatives and friends are invited. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, prior to the funeral.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Norberto’s honor may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011 Washington D.C., 20090-6011.
