Ismael Veguilla Cruz

Ismael (Izzy) Veguilla Cruz, beloved husband, father, and esteemed veteran departed this life on January 1, 2024, at the age of 61. Izzy’s journey, marked by purpose and impact, left an enduring legacy touching the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ismael was born in Cagus Puerto Rico on November 28, 1962, to Carmen I. Cruz, and Ismael Veguilla.

He proudly served his country for 35 years as a member of the United States Army. His dedication and commitment to his duty was evident as he bravely served in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Desert Storm, his valor earning him the combat action badge. His military career spanned the globe. From Germany, Japan, and Italy to Florida, Texas, and DC, with the most memorable of assignments being Connecticut and Maryland where his sons were born, and his marriage began.

In 1988 Izzy met the love of his life Angela (Angelique) Ray. After much effort to win her heart, she happily became his wife on September 15, 1990. Together they created a loving home for their two boys Joshua Veguilla and Ismael (Armani) Veguilla. After many deployments and moves, the family finally settled in Columbia Maryland where they welcomed their beloved puppy Nickolai in 2012. Niko was a devoted companion to Izzy and brought him much love and comfort during his illness. Izzy was a lifelong athlete and loved to stay active. He was an avid golfer, loved cycling, paddle boarding and skiing, all while waiving to Angelique as she faithfully cheered him on from the sidelines.

The discipline and patriotism instilled in Izzy during his Army service endured post-retirement. He remained devoted to his military community by serving as 3rd Vice at the American Legion Post 156, and as a member of the VFW Post 7472 for many years. As equally important to him, Izzy was a Mason from The Most Worshipful Prince Hall where he rose in rank to the 33rd degree.

He was a proud graduate of New Mexico University, but Izzy held a deep sense of accomplishment in his counterterrorism degree from National American University, Henley Putnam, considering it the pinnacle of his educational and military career.

Izzy was preceded in death by his father, loving grandparents, and his best friend Harry. He is survived by his devoted wife Angelique, sons Joshua (Tasha) and Armani, Mother Carmen I. Cruz, Stepfather Pedro Santos, In-laws Audrey and Sylvester Ray, brother Jaime Veguilla, brother Jose Santos, sister Aurea Santos and his two grandchildren Elijah and Gianna. Izzy is also remembered by numerous loving aunts, uncles, sisters and brothers in-laws, nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends who share in the sorrow of his passing.

In honoring his life so richly lived, we celebrate Izzy’s unwavering dedication, enduring love, and the profound impact he leaves of the hearts of those who were blessed to know him. May his soul find eternal peace.

Visitation for Ismael will be held Tuesday, January 9, 2024, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Witzke Funeral Homes Inc. 5555 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, Md 20145.

Funeral services will occur Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 12:00pm to 1:30pm at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, at Wilde Lake, 10431 Twin Rivers Road., Columbia, MD 20145 where the family have been long term members.

The family would like to express our sincere appreciation for the outpouring of well wishes bestowed upon us. We would like to extend a special thank you to Izzy’s brothers Jaime and Jose for their endless love and support, Angelique’s parents Audrey and Sylvester for adoring Izzy as a son. Close friends Lynn and Michael Jenkins, Keith Yonemura, Risheena and Eric Schwemle, Chib Nwaeze, Jonathan and Delma Branch, Myra and Anthony Turner, Nina Parham, Linda Brown, and Jamie Brodnax for their loving support during this time.