Private First Class (Pfc) Jean M. Cruz-De Leon

Private First Class (PFC) Jean M. Cruz De Leon, 20, of Marrero, Louisiana passed away on September 9th, 2020 during an Airborne Operation at Fort Stewart, Georgia. A visitation will be held at MOTHE FUNERAL HOME, 7040 Lapalco Blvd., Marrero, LA on Saturday, September 26, 2020 from 4pm until 6PM. A funeral service will be held at 6:00PM on Saturday, September 26th, 2020. Interment will be privately held at a later date. Jean was born in Humacao, Puerto Rico. He studied at Hillside High School in North Carolina where he proudly joined the Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC). In 2018, he relocated to Louisiana and graduated from John Ehret High School with Honors. Immediately after, he joined the US Army where he served with pride and honor as an infantryman assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. PFC Cruz-De Leon was selected by his Platoon Leader to serve as his Radio Telephone Operator during Operation PANTHER STORM, a Brigade wide training event, in August of 2020. His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Army Parachutist Badge. His family is supremely proud of all his accomplishments. In the Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Matthew Molly of the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment most recent statement he shared, “Jean was an eager learner who constantly sought opportunities for self-self-improvement and embraced challenging tasks, demonstrating his indomitable spirit. Jean’s fellow Paratroopers could also count on him to put a smile on their faces no matter the situation in which they found themselves. His infectious optimism and selfless demeanor were a gravitational force to those who knew him. Jean was a friend to all and a genuine person who took personal time to get to know the members of his platoon and support them during their times of need. Jean left a permanent imprint on us and his absence will be felt by all." PFC Cruz-De Leon leaves a profound void within the hearts of his family, comrades, and friends. Indisputably, he will be missed dearly. Family and friends will always remember his incomparable charisma, resilience, selflessness, optimism, fun-loving nature, work ethic, amazing sense of humor, inspirational outlook on life, and of course, his contagious and unforgettable smile & laughter. He is survived by his mother, Eliza de Leon; his father, Luis Manuel Cruz; sisters, Yariliz Cruz and Camila Sloan; aunts, Alma Ivy Flores, Ivelis de Leon, Stephany de Leon, and Miritza Cruz; uncle, Carlos Javier de Leon; in addition to his maternal grandparents Lydia Flores and Bienvenido de Leon.
Jean's light may have extinguished for the world; it will never stop shining in our hearts. Family and friends may offer condolences at mothefunerals.com.