^{Anthony Cruz was a name that belonged to two different people who passed away in different years, but both left a legacy of public service and music. One was a former deputy mayor of Jersey City, New Jersey, who died of a heart attack in 2022. The other was a Puerto Rican reggae singer who died of cancer in 2017. This article will pay tribute to both of them and their contributions to their communities.}

^{Anthony Cruz, the Deputy Mayor}

^{Anthony Cruz was born in 1961 and grew up in Jersey City, where he became involved in social and economic justice issues from a young age. He was the president of the Jersey City Tenants Union, where he exposed slumlords and absentee landlords, and fought for affordable housing and home ownership for residents.}

^{He also served as a trusted advisor and political strategist to many local and state leaders, including four city mayors, numerous state lawmakers, three United States senators, and many other political figures. He was the director of Housing and Economic Development for the city, where he helped revitalize inner-city residential communities and commercial districts.}

^{He was also a proud Puerto Rican, who participated in a delegation led by Senator John Corzine, on whose staff he served, to the island of Vieques, to protest the US military’s use of the island as a bomb testing range. He was arrested with other activists in 2000 for demonstrating against the environmental damage caused by the military.}

^{He died of a heart attack in 2022, leaving behind his son, Anthony Cruz Jr., his partner, Heather Hanks, his siblings, and many other relatives and friends. He was 61 years old. His son set up a fundraiser to help cover the medical bills incurred by his father, who did not have health insurance.}

^{His son described his father’s life as “historic” and said that “the number of people whose lives he directly impacted in public and private is beyond measure”. He also said that his father was “a caring, honest, and humble man, a great father, uncle, brother, son and abuelo, who put his heart into serving other people without regard to personal accolades or economic gain”.}

^{Anthony Cruz, the Reggae Singer}

^{Anthony Cruz was born in 1972 and grew up in Puerto Rico, where he developed a passion for music from a young age. He was influenced by reggae artists such as Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, and Gregory Isaacs, and started singing professionally at the age of 12.}

^{He moved to New York in 1992, where he joined the reggae scene and collaborated with artists such as Garnett Silk, Luciano, Beres Hammond, and Buju Banton. He released his debut album, Where There’s Love, in 1996, and followed it with several more albums, such as Mama’s Blessing, Fight With All Your Might, and Cruz Control.}

^{He was known for his smooth vocals, conscious lyrics, and positive messages. He sang about love, peace, unity, and social issues, and was well-respected by his peers and fans. He performed in many countries, such as Jamaica, England, France, Japan, and Canada, and was nominated for several awards, such as the International Reggae and World Music Awards and the Tamika Reggae Awards.}

^{He died of cancer in 2017, leaving behind his daughter, Shanice Cruz, his mother, Carmen Rosa, his siblings, and many other relatives and friends. He was 45 years old. His daughter said that her father was “a great man, a great father, a great son, a great brother, a great uncle, a great friend, and a great artist”. She also said that he was “a humble, loving, caring, and respectful person, who always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude”.}

^Conclusion

^{Anthony Cruz cause of death was different for the two men who shared the name, but both of them left a mark on the world with their public service and music. They were both dedicated to their causes, their families, and their communities, and they inspired many people with their actions and words. They will be remembered and missed by many.}