Richard Allen Cruz

Richard Allen Cruz was born in Modesto on April 26, 1945 and passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior at his home in Hughson, CA on April 14, 2015, at the age of 69. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Bessie Cruz, brothers, Joseph Cruz, Jr. and Ben Cruz, sisters Lola Turner, Betty Cruz, Cathy Smith, and Connie Cruz Quitugua, and his son, Richard Allen Cruz, Jr. Richard is survived by his wife, Madeline Cruz (Texeira), brother, Ernie Cruz, sisters, Dorothy Macias, Linda Bettincourt, and Rita Cruz, his daughter, Lisa Fiveash, son-in-law Tony Fiveash, grandchildren, William, Chase and Olivia Fiveash, and many nieces and nephews.

Richard spent his childhood in Modesto, growing up with three brothers and seven sisters. He attended Modesto High School, and at the age of 17, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served from 1962-1968, during which he rose to the rank of Sergeant and bravely defended his country for two tours of duty in Vietnam, earning two Purple Heart Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, and a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. After his return to Modesto in 1968, he met and married Madeline Cruz (Texeira), his wife of 45 years, and eventually settled in Hughson to raise his two children, daughter, Lisa Fiveash of Hughson, and son, Richard Cruz, Jr., who passed away in 2000.

During his civilian career, Richard worked at E. & J. Gallo Winery from 1968-1975, and then made a successful career in truck driving as owner/operator of Richard A. Cruz Trucking until his retirement in 1998. During his retirement, Richard pursued his lifelong passion for music, including singing and playing guitar and banjo. He was a member of the band, Country Breeze, and also spent many volunteer hours singing at senior centers and hospice facilities to share his love of music and provide comfort to others in their time of need. Richard was also a member of the Modesto Veterans Funeral Detail, providing military funeral honors for deceased veterans. Richard also renewed his dedication to God and most recently attended church at the Echoes of Praise Pentecostal Church of God in Ceres. In his free time, Richard enjoyed cooking, collecting guitars, banjos and guns, riding motorcycles, cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events, watching reality TV, and relaxing at home. Richard will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but they are comforted to know he is now singing with the angels.

Visitation is on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Lakewood Funeral Home, Heritage Chapel, 900 Santa Fe Avenue, Hughson, CA 95326. Interment with military funeral honors for immediate family only at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery at 32053 McCabe Rd, Santa Nella Village, CA 95322. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the American Legion of Modesto.

.