Manuel Cruz Jr., age 80, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2024, at home with his wife. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, known for his warmth, kindness, and unwavering spirit.
He will have a wake on Tuesday October 22 from 4-8 pm at Mariposa Gardens; 6747 E. Broadway Rd. Mesa, AZ 85206, a funeral service will be held on Wednesday October 23 at 10 am at Mariposa Gardens; 6747 E. Broadway Rd. Mesa, AZ 85206, with a luncheon to follow at their home church Elliot Road Baptist Church; 15804 E. Elliot Rd Gilbert, AZ 85234. Pastor Dan Mooney will be officiating the services and Mariposa Gardens will be assisting with arrangements and hosting the wake and funeral service.
Manuel was born on July 6th, 1944, in Tempe, Arizona to Manuel Cruz Sr and Alicia Cruz. He married Merna Cruz on March 24, 1984, they have been married for 40 years. Manuel attended and graduated from Mesa High School and attended Arizona State University. Manuel worked and lived in Arizona his whole life, he loved Arizona and affectionately called himself a ‘desert rat’. He was an avid sports fan and loved his Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Arizona Cardinals. He was a season ticket holder for the Cardinals for 35 years. Manuel was also a man of faith and loved God. He attended the Methodist Church for many years and at his time of death attended Elliot Road Baptist Church.
He is survived by his loving wife, Merna Cruz. His son Andrew (Heidi) and 3 daughters Anna (Fred), Sarah (Curtis) and Brenda (Joseph). He will be dearly missed by his 11 grandchildren, Kymberly, Erica, Alysia, Taylor, Sally, Emily, Andrew Jr, Frida, Jessica, Clark and Elijah. He also has 6 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Becky (Roger) and brother Art (Wilma), and a host of friends and family whose lives he touched with his generosity and laughter.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Manuel Cruz Sr and Alicia Smith. His brother Dan Cruz and his son Manuel Cruz III.
Manuel Cruz Jr. leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience that will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Thank you to Mariposa Gardens and Elliot Road Baptist Church for all your support during this time.
