Jesus M. Contreras Cruz

Jesus Manuel “Manny" Contreras Cruz, 52, passed away on October 26, 2018 at Rhode Island Hospital surrounded by his loving family in Providence, R.I.

He was born on December 24, 1965 in Caguas, Puerto Rico.  Manny was the son of Maria Regina Cruz Garcia and Carmelo Contreras Sr. and the stepson of the late Vicente Arroyo Diaz.

Manny spent the majority of his life working in the welding industry.  Before becoming ill; he worked as a welder at Mahoney's Fabrication in Pawtucket, R.I. 

Manny grew up in Puerto Rico and then moved to Rhode Island when he was 7 years old.  He was very athletic at a young age.  All year round he played sports in high in school.  Manny played baseball, basketball, football and loved boxing.  Manny became a pro boxer in 1987 and became the New England Heavyweight Champion in 1989.

He enjoyed fishing was a hobby and loved fixing cars.  He was our family mechanic.  During the cold winter months, he would be outside fixing our cars while everyone else was warm and toasty inside.

Manny was a family-oriented man who loved spending time with all of us.  He had a huge heart and was always extremely reliable and giving.  Anytime you needed anything, he would always lend a hand.

Manny will be extremely missed by his 5 children, 13 brothers and sisters, 4 grandchildren, 3 godchildren, many nieces and nephews and many other family members and friends.  He will be missed by all.

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