In memory of Fernando Acevedo Cruz

[Bret Walker]

On Monday, January 16 2005, Fernando Acevedo "Nando" Cruz lost his life in a single-car accident. He was 19 years old.

We at Max the Dork knew Nando well. He was an avid backyard wrestler who had recently turned semi-pro. He was one of the nicest and friendliest people we knew. But moreover, he was a fan of the band and our music, and he was at each and every one of our Brenner's Brew shows in the past year. Nando lived in Bridgeton and he was known as a regular at Brenner's Brew, and it didn't matter what band was playing that night but Nando would be there. And he'd pitch in, helping bands to move their equipment in and out. And he did this all, freely and graciously. He made every band feel like he was their number one fan, and he probably was. He was a genuine person and I never saw him without a smile on his face.

Nando passed this Earth much too soon for any of our liking. He touched many lives, and he certainly touched ours. He will be sorely missed.

Nando's Obituary in the Bridgeton News

[The Vonz]

Sadness. I never met this fellow, but he sounds like a great kid. Any time a MTD fan dies, I think a little part of me does too.

10-gun salute!

[Bret Walker]

I went to Nando's viewing on Friday night, and there must've been 400 people there, easy. It was definitely standing room only. For real, people were standing along the sides of the room and out in the hall and in the room across the hallway.

the saddest thing was, the only person in the room that I knew, was Nando. But just around 8:30, Nando's uncle Jerry came up to me and introduced himself, and listened to my story about how I knew Nando and what he meant to me and to all the bands that played at Brenner's, and then he took me around to all of Nando's family and introduced me and related my story in spanish (most of his family is from Puerto Rico, his father lives there and doesn't speak English, but he said to me in Spanish, "Thank you for being my son's friend."). And every one of them told me, You're part of our family. I felt so wonderful in that moment. And I could certainly see where Nando got his generous nature, when this family who didn't even know me took me in and allowed me to grieve with them.

Also, I will always remember the time I sat through Catholic mass in spanish. Not only don't I speak spanish, but I'm not even Catholic, so I was entirely lost.

But at least I got to say goodbye to Nando. He'll definitely be missed, and now I know just how many people will be missing him.

[Suzanne]

I dont really know what to say, I got this site from a friend of mine who got it from somebody and so on....
I just want to let everybody know that Fernando was a good, no, GREAT friend of mine and that he'll be missed terribly! I can only hope that the memory of his wonderful personality and smiling face will live on forever! I'll be @ Brenners on the 13th to support Fernanado and everything he stood for, because I know that he would do the same.
When I went to his viewing in Hammonton, like the other person mentioned, there were a LOT of people there, some of which I knew, it just goes to show you how many peoples lives he touched. My heart and sympathy goes out to his family and to the others who knew him like I did.

R.I.P. Nandy! We love you and you rock!!!!

[Bret Walker]

Well I guess we'll see you there, Suzanne. Make sure you introduce yourself (-: In between sets, we'll have an opportunity for people to go up and say a few words of rememberance if they wish.

[reyitopr]

Hi!
Excuse me, for write this words in Spanish, but I want to said the best word that i want to said.

Soy el padre de Fenando "Nandy" para mí, y mí familia en Puerto Rico. Nandy, es para mí un angel que vino a la tierra a dar amor y llevar a todos una sonrisa. Cuando recibí la triste noticia de su fallecimiento, no podia entender tal tragedia, pensé, no puede ser que un ser tan extraordinario, se haya ido. Luego comprendí, que Dios, lo necesita en el Cielo para que proteja a sus amigos y a su familia. Agradesco a todos aquellos que lo aceptaron y le brindaron su amistad, no he tenido la dicha de conocerlos a todos, pero puedo decirles que son también mis amigos y amigos de mí familia. Les agradesco su gentileza y disposicion para dedicarle su tiempo y recordarle.

No hablo Inglés. aunque lo leo y escribo algo., asi que pueden escribirme cuando quieran que entenderé lo que me digan. Una vez más gracias a todos por su amistad. Nandy, vivirá para siempre en mí corazón. Le sobreviven acá en Puerto Rico, dos 2, hermanos más, y muchos primos y primas, tios, tias, y abuelos paternos.

[e-mail]

Los aprecia mucho

Reinaldo

[Bret Walker]

English translation:

I am the father of Fenando, whom I called "Nandy," as did our family in Puerto Rico. Nandy, was to me an angel that came to the Earth to give love and to give a smile to all. When I received the sad news of his death, not to understand such tragedy, I thought, it cannot be that so extraordinary a person as he has gone away. Soon I understood that God needs him in Heaven to protect his friends and their family. I am thankful to all those that accepted it and offered their friendship to him, I have not had the pleasure of knowing them all, but I can say to them that they are also my friends and friends of my
family. I am thankful to them for their gentility and disposition to dedicate their time to him and to remember to him.

I do not speak English. although I read it and I write some, so people can write to me when they want and I will understand what they say to me. Once again thanks to all for their friendship to my son. Nandy will always live on in my heart. He is survived here in Puerto Rico, by two more brothers, and many cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents

To write to us in email:

[e-mail]


With much appreciation,

Reinaldo