Jose “Joe” Cruz, 74, of El Paso, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.
November 6, 1951 - September 4, 2025
Born on November 06, 1951 in Zacatecas, Mexico, Joe moved to El Paso where he built a life rooted in hard work, family, and community. His steadfast work ethic became a central force throughout his life. Over the years, he dedicated himself to the food and beverage retail industry and served as the manager for several grocery businesses in El Paso including Food City, Big 8, Safeway, Quality Food Mart and then went on to become the general manager of his cousin Zeke’s supermarket, “Zeke’s Pueblo Mexican Supermarket,” a well known business in the community. From there he eventually became the proud owner of his own neighborhood supermarket “Nony’s” – a place where customers became friends, and friends became family.
Joe’s greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted father to Andrea, Adam, and Annalise (whom he raised with his ex-wife Luana Pinon Cruz) and a proud grandfather to Sofia and Elisa. There was nothing he wouldn’t do or give up for their pursuit of happiness. Joe is survived by his aforementioned children and grandchildren, and his sister Victoria Filetto and his brother Javier Cruz. He was preceded in death by his parents Ester Zavala and Ascension Cruz, and his siblings Elena Pacheco, Carmen Macias, Guadalupe Cruz, Miguel Angel Cruz, Maria de Jesus Cruz, and Reuben Cruz – all with whom he now rests peacefully with.
A man driven by many passions, Joe loved history and politics, filled his home with music, and had a lifelong love for movies. He could be found singing and playing his guitar at family gatherings, listening to his record collection, making fast friends with customers and neighbors, or cooking meals that brought everyone together. He will be remembered as a son, brother, dad, grandpa, tio, neighbor, and friend with a sharp sense of humor, fierce tenacity, selfless heart, and the strength that could carry the world.
Visitation for Jose will be held Wednesday, September 10, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a vigil service at 7pm at Crestview Funeral Home, 1462 North Zaragoza Rd., El Paso, Texas 79936. Funeral mass will be Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM at San Antonio Catholic Church, 503 Hunter Dr, El Paso, Texas 79915. A graveside service will follow Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 11:30 AM at Mt Carmel Cemetery, 401 S Zaragoza Rd, El Paso, Texas 79907.
The family would also like to extend their sincere gratitude to the care team of Three Oaks Hospice who provided such compassionate and quality hospice care and support for Joe and his family.
Pallbearers will be Adam Cruz, Javier Cruz, Emilio Filetto, Omar Sonora, and Juan Jose Macias.
Joe’s memory and spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and all who knew him.
“Forever loved, forever missed.
Por siempre amado, por siempre extrañado.” 5.
