Cruz is predeceased by his wife, Victoria Rabago, the love of his life for over 70 years.
Cruz, born to Leopoldo and Concepcion Rabago, is survived by his daughter Rachel Rodriguez; his son and daughter-in-law, Phillip and Irene Rabago; his daughter Anita Rabago; his daughter Laura Rabago; his son and daughter-in-law, Leo and Sonya Rabago; his brother and sister-in-law, Roberto and Ann Rabago, his brother and sister-in-law, Leo and Elsie Rabago; as well as 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Cruz loved his family and extended families. He was always supportive and will always be a role model to all of his children. He rarely asked for anything in return. He had fond memories of his hometown of Jerome, AZ and made annual visits to be with his family and friends who returned to Jerome every October to pay homage to their shared experiences growing up in their favorite mining community. He was featured in the book “Rich Town Poor Town” by Roberto Rabago. He was selected to join the inaugural Central Valley Honor Flights in October 2013 to honor WWII veterans with an all expense paid trip to Washington DC to visit the monuments and museums honoring him and those who served in WWII. His photograph appeared in the Fresno Bee newspaper on Sunday, August 25, 1963 highlighting his role in supervising the city parking meter repair shop within the historic “Old Fresno Water Tower” in downtown Fresno. He retired in 1986 after a long career with the City of Fresno. In addition to being a great father, brother, uncle, grandfather, friend and more, he was an avid Fisherman, Photographer, Spanish Guitarist, Gardener, and maintained a lifelong hobby of mechanical clock repair and antique shopping. He loved black jack and often beat the odds by taking home more than he risked. He was a skilled billiard player with a trophy wall in his home. He could fix and build just about anything from clocks to cars to homes. He was a natural teacher and always cared to share his knowledge and skills with others.
A special recognition to all of his friends and relatives not mentioned; he loved and cherished each and every one of you. Thank you for the memories.
