Osiris Saul Cruz-Batista

Osiris Saul Cruz-Batista

Born on a frosty winter morning—December 3, 2007, in Queens, New York, at 5:53 a.m., Osiris came into the world with a smile that drew love from everyone he encountered and became the gravity that pulled the Cruz and Batista families together.

He was affectionately nicknamed Gordo. At first, it spoke to his mighty appetite, but in time, the name grew to mean something larger: presence, strength, the promise of a boy who would one day fill football pads and stadium lights with ease.

Osiris was a gentle soul who welcomed the role of big brother to Ezekiel and later to Arius—constant playmate, sometimes competitor, always protector. He extended that same care instinctively to each of his cousins. Big brother, protector, playmate—he carried those titles like jerseys he never wanted to take off.

He and his family-built memories across cities: birthdays in Texas, Christmas’ in Queens, summers in Brooklyn, family reunions in Puerto Rico. No matter the city, the rhythm was the same: a crowded kitchen, kids running wild, music pulsing through the walls. Tios and Padrinos gathered around domino and spades tables. Titis pulling Osiris onto the dancefloor, teasing him into the spotlight. He resisted at first, a shy grin on his face—then gave in, moving with the beat, the room erupting in cheers , Mami cheering the loudest, Papi looking on proud. Abuela and Granny snapping pictures, cousins clapping, Grandpa shaking his head, Nina laughing, a house alive with joy and love. That was Osiris: hesitant at first, then all in.

Texas gave him a stage—football under the lights, teammates who became brothers, the rhythm of the game matching the rhythm in his chest. But his world was always larger than the field. He played baseball, basketball, he worked out alongside his dad, cared for Mars his companion, threw down in the kitchen from time to time. Like all boys his age, he played video games and always surprised his family with his eclectic playlist. From Frank Sinatra’s velvet swing, classic R&B, bachata or hard-thumping Hip Hop—Osiris lived on shuffle, every genre feeding a different part of his spirit.

He was introspective too—often quiet in the corner or laughing with friends but always thinking deeper than anyone guessed. His wisdom surfaced in small surprises: when you thought he wasn’t listening, he’d drop the line that shifted the whole conversation.

And he was fresh. Always. Clothes sharp, style crisp, his way of telling the world who he was before he said a word.

When Osiris graduated from high school in May 2025, the world was ready for him, and he, it. He took the future seriously but was resolute, he would find his own way. As he explored his interests and the options the world lay out in front of him, you may have received a late-night phone call from him; how did you choose, do you like what you do, are you happy?

Sadly, he was taken too soon, cutting short his journey to a future he shared in quiet conversations with those held closest.

He is survived by his mother Jocelyn, whom he adored; his father Jonathan, whom he looked up to most; and his brothers Ezekiel Zavier and Arius Nyel, protected and loved beyond measure.

Osiris Saul Cruz-Batista: son, brother, thinker, protector. Gordo. Forever fresh. Forever ours…

Family and Friends will gather for Visitation at Elgin Funeral Home, Thursday, September 11th from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM and will pray the Holy Rosary at 7:00 PM. A Celebration of Christian Funeral Mass will be conducted at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Manor, Friday, September 12th at 11:00 AM with Father Kingsley presiding. Inurnment will be private.