Mariano G. Cruz Sr.

Mariano was born in Port La Vaca, Texas on July 14, 1920 to Manuel Cruz and Juanita Garza Cruz and was raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. He attended Cheston Heath School as a young man; he joined the Civilian Conservation Corp. in response to the Great Depression. He proudly served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corp.

Mariano was married to Angelita Gutierrez-Cruz; they were married for 71 years.

Mariano worked for Naval Air Station and ARADMAC in Corpus Christi, Texas for 30 years; he retired from service as a Supervisor in 1975.

He enjoyed dancing, bowling, archeology, treasure hunting and buying and selling at the flea market.

He will always be remembered for his delicious menudo and catan cooking, his cautious sense of adventure, and his devotion to his church and family.

Mariano is survived by his wife Angelita Gutierrez-Cruz; children, Janie and Tony Vega, Francis and Raymond Barrera, Mariano Cruz, Jr., and David Cruz; grandchildren, Javier, Jaime, Sergio, Esteban, Gerianne, Martin, and Eartha; and twelve great-grandchildren; including numerous family and friends.

Mariano is preceded in death and joins his parents, Manuel and Juanita; sisters, “Tita” Altagracia and Ignacia.

Visitation was held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary service at 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 23, 2012 at Funeraria Del Angel-Memorial Holly chapel, 3442 Holly Road.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 24, 2012 at Christ the King Catholic Church located at 3423 Rojo Street, Corpus Christi, Texas. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery at 2731 Comanche, Corpus Christi, Texas.

Serving as pallbearers will be Mariano Cruz, Jr., Sergio Barrera, Esteban Barrera, Javier Vega, Jaime Vega, and Alfredo Gonzalez.

The family of Mariano Garza Cruz, Sr. wishes to thank Jonathan Hardin with Century One Hospice, Deacon Larry Rodriguez and everyone involved in helping Mariano in his final days.

Mariano was an inspiration to all who knew him; he will be missed but not forgotten.

Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria Del Angel - Memorial Holly, Corpus Christi, TX.