Emil Cuadrado

“It doesn’t matter who my father was. It matters who I remember he was.” EULOGY Emil Cuadrado was born on June 9, 1934, in the Bronx, New York to Emilio Cuadrado and Gregoria (nee Garcia) Cuadrado. He was the eldest of two, he shared a close bond with his sister Gloria. After losing his mother at the young age of 10, Emil was lovingly raised for a time by his grandparents, Maria Valentina Vazquez-Vigior & Pedro Concepcion-Cuadrado. In 1945, his father remarried to Carmen (nee Ramirez) Cuadrado and their blended family grew to include six children. Emil fondly recalled the day his stepmother stood up for him at school, a moment he always remembered as when he truly felt her love. Emil married Estelle (nee Genaro) Cuadrado, and they were blessed with a large and lively family. They first lived in Bronx, NY and later Lower East Side Manhattan, NY, Vladeck Housing Development. In 1970, he moved the family to Philadelphia, determined to create new opportunities for his children. Though Emil and Estelle later parted ways, the family they nurtured remained a lasting source of pride and joy. In time, Emil married Hazel with whom he remained until her passing in 2016. Through this union, Emil gained three stepchildren. Emil worked in a wide range of fields throughout his life. In New York, he held roles as a plastic factory foreman, a stockbroker in the Wall Street district, a city bus driver, and served in the Selective Services. In Philadelphia, he worked in real estate and ran several self-employed businesses. After retirement, he continued working as a school bus driver in New Jersey until 2020, when his health began to decline. Emil believed deeply in movement, discipline, and togetherness. He led his children on weekly runs in NYC through FDR Park and morning stretches in the courtyard—simple moments that became lasting memories. He loved baseball, music, painting and photography, often sharing these passions with his children. One cherished moment was his 80th birthday, when he played guitar alongside his great-grandson, Nicky. Also, he often played guitar and piano alongside his son, David--a reflection of the joy he found in family and music. In his later years, Emil faced Alzheimer’s disease with quiet strength. He spent his final days at Cambridge Rehabilitation and Senior Living in Moorestown, New Jersey, where he passed peacefully. Emil leaves behind a proud and loving legacy including many extended relatives, friends, and coworkers. His immediate family members are: Children: Frank (Dominga), Esther, Anna, Emil (Libby), William (Luzeady), Robert (Margarita), David (Brenda), Debra (Elbridge), Cathy (Larry), and Gladys (Greg). Stepchildren: Nancy Segal (Steve), David Segal, and Wendy Segal. Siblings: Gloria, Neomi, Rachel (Moe), Ruth, Emilio, and Dionice (Mustafa). Grandchildren: Frank Jr., Dawn, Shawn, Carlton, Lydel, Isabel, Emil Tomás (Nui), Adam, William, Jr., Nicolás (Clarissa), Jocelyn, David (Megan), Danielle, Angel (Courtney), Janissa (Thomas), Michael, Maurice, Elijah, Simone. Great-grandchildren: Naviah, Nasasha, Edwin, Jaedyn, Russell Joseph (RJ), Dominic Seth, Brianna, Destiny, William, Nicolas, Jacob, Hanna, Jason, Joseph, Jordan, Isaac, Penelope, Trinity, Brealynn, Joseph, Roselyn, Kelvin, Pamela, Mulan, Jordan Victoria, Reina, Keiji, Jun, Khair, Cali, Yumi, Frankie. Emil was preceded in death by his parents, Emilio, Gregoria, and Carmen, sister Gloria, brother David, daughter Carmen, and grandchildren - Matilda Belinda, Rena Estelle, Vincent Paul, Robert Alexander. The family takes comfort in the memories he gave us, the music, dancing, the laughter, the lessons, and his example of hard work and perseverance. Our father was a man of strength and discipline, and at times that strength was difficult for us. Yet today, we choose to hold both truth and grace, asking for healing where it is needed and peace for every heart. Our prayer for our Dad, has been that he surrendered his life to Christ--God only knows. May he now be at peace—and may we, as a family, continue to heal, forgive and be united in love. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Friday, April 10th from 1-2 PM at Perinchief Chapels, 438 High St., Mt. Holly. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be held privately.

Emil Cuadrado

June 9, 1934 - March 20, 2026