John Blas Cruz

Our beloved John B. Cruz passed away on Friday August 19, 2016 peacefully in his home at 99 years of age. John was born on the island of Guam on March 21, 1917. At a very young age he joined the US Navy where he served for over 20 years. John was a WWII Veteran and was very proud of his service to his country.

John married Margaret Elizabeth Henry on August 4th, 1947. John said he knew from the first time he saw her that he would marry her. Together they raised 2 daughters and 1 son. John was deeply devoted to his family and so very proud of them. He found joy in playing his harmonica and ukulele while Margaret sang along.

John was a very spiritual man. His faith in God and the Catholic church was evident in the way he lived his life. John was a member of the Legion of Mary until he was over 80 years. He served as an usher at St. Rita’s and St. John of the Cross Parishes. He loved to share his love for the Lord by praying with his family and telling stories about the life of Christ and the Saints.

John found joy entertaining the sick and elderly at several local convalescent home by singing and playing his harmonica and ukulele. John loved to be outdoors. He loved spending time at the park with his family, building and flying homemade kites, fishing in the ocean, swimming and gardening.

John was an amazing cook. He had spent part of his time in the Navy as the personal chef to the Admiral at the Pentagon. His family always look forward to his homemade iced tea, Guamanian chicken, and keleguin.

John and Margaret were married for 69 beautiful years and raised 3 children together. They were inseparable and their love for each other was admired by all who knew them.

John’s beloved Margaret preceded him in death on September 2, 2015. He was also preceded in death by grandson Baby David and loyal son-in-law Roddie Walker III.

John and Margaret survived by son John J. Cruz, daughters Marsha Ochoa (Louis), Valerie Walker, grandchildren Louis A. Ochoa, John Cruz III (Stephanie), Sherice Ochoa, Marsha Diane Forsythe ( Donnie), Michelle Leyva (Andrew Sr.), Tricia Canela (Carlos), Elizabeth King, Rolando (Cheryl), Raelina, great-grandchildren Jenica, Andrew, Olivia, Nathan, Abraham, Jayla, Gabriel, Julia, Eva, Lucy, Isabella, and Isaiah.

Rosary and Viewing will be held on Thursday, August 25, 2016 from 4:00 to 7:00pm at Conrad’s Mortuary in Lemon Grove. The funeral mass will be held on Friday, August 26, 2016 at 10:00am at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church. 8086 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945