Cresencio R Cruz

Also known as “Chris” and “Chencho,” Cresencio was born in Douglas, Arizona, to Miguel and Encarnacion Cruz, who raised him and his five siblings to understand the importance of family. Chris would go on to experience defining moments in our nation’s history in his century of life.

Growing up during the Great Depression, Chris moved west on a flatbed truck to Alberhill, California, before proudly serving in the Pacific during WWII with the Army. He faced and survived health battles with resilience, including contracting malaria three times during the war, and COVID at age 98, proving his strength time and again.

After returning to West Los Angeles following the war, he worked the fields picking fruit with his family, building a life marked by hard work and integrity. He married his beloved wife, Narcisa “Chicha” Alvarez, and together, they raised six children. His dedication to family is celebrated today by nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, countless godchildren, and generations of friends.

In addition to working the fields, Chris had experience working as a gardener and as an entrepreneur, making and selling tortillas in his family’s Cruz Market on Sawtelle Boulevard. He later worked as a machinist at McDonnell Douglas for 34 years. Both in and out of the workplace, Chris became a mentor, friend, and ‘compadre’ to many.

Everyone who knew Chris understood how much he enjoyed singing mariachi music, playing golf, eating tortillas, frijoles and sweet treats, and spending time with family. A building on the LMU campus bears his and Narcisa’s name - a lasting testament to their ability to impact others.

Chris was preceded in death by his wife, Narcisa, and children Michael Cruz, Chris Cruz, and Gloria Sanchez. He is survived by children Larry Cruz, Tina Angel (Henry), and Frank Cruz (Alissa), grandchildren Kristy Soto (Ernie), Karolyn Cruz (Frederik Schulin), Anthony Angel (Megan), Melissa Sanchez, Alfred Sanchez, Henry Angel (Samantha), Catherine Cruz, Vanessa Millan (Andrew), and Amber (Gabi Brenes-Angel), and great-grandchildren Emma Soto, Ernie Soto, Anthony Angel Jr., Alyssa Morales, Audrina Morales, Scarlett Angel, Gray Schulin, Eastyn Schulin, Maximus Angel, Lillian Angel, Cruz Brenes-Angel and Ariana Angel.

A rosary service (9:30 a.m.) and funeral mass (10:30 a.m.) will take place Thursday, March 6, 2025, at St. Monica Catholic Church (725 California Avenue, Santa Monica, California, 90403). Reception to follow.