Robert Cruz, Jr. passed away peacefully on Monday, March 19, 2018 at the age of 64 surrounded by his loving family. The first of seven children, Robert was born November 19, 1953 to Roberto Villarreal Cruz and Eliza Pelayo Cruz in Sinton, Texas. A resident of Corpus Christi most of his life, he was a 1973 graduate of Ray High School and attended Del Mar College and Texas A and I University in Kingsville. Robert worked at Caller-Times for many years. His first hobby was photography and acquired his own cameras and developing equipment in high school. He enjoyed tennis, swimming, golf, gardening and reading. You could always discuss politics with Robert, too. Some of his happiest times were spent with his nephews, Rodolfo Anastacio Cruz and Ruben James Hernandez as they were going up. His proudest family moments were our gatherings as a family for birthdays, holidays, graduations and weddings.
Robert went home to reunite with his beloved parents Roberto and Eliza Cruz, grandparents Genaro and Carmen Cruz, Anasatascio and Isabella Pelayo, uncles Israel Cruz, Alfredo Pelayo and Antonio Montes.
He leaves behind to cherish his memories three loving aunts, Rosa Montes, Estella Cruz and Candelaria Garcia. Robert is survived by his sisters, Mary Alice Cruz, Josefina Cruz, Angelina Betz (John), and Guadalupe Hernandez (Ruben) and his brothers Ramiro Cruz and Rodolfo Cruz (Enriqueta), his nephews, James Hernandez, Rudy Cruz and many cousins. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 23, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Funeraria Del Angel – Memorial Holly with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. that same evening. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Ss. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.
