Cruz Villarreal, born on September 14, 1936, passed away on October 31, 2025, at the age of 89. He was a resident of El Paso, Texas.Cruz Villarreal, 89, of El Paso, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025. He was born on September 14, 1936, in Socorro, Texas, to Benito Villarreal and Maria de Refugio Valles.
In 1955, Cruz proudly joined the U.S. Navy, where he served four years of active duty and six years in the reserves. After his service, he built a long and successful career as an accountant at White Sands Missile Range, retiring in 1992.
Cruz was married to Maria A. Villarreal. He is survived by his children: Analinda Villarreal Moreno, Joseph Cruz Villarreal, Elias Villarreal, Jorge Luis Villarreal, Norma Rodriguez, Mauricio Sanchez, Veronica Chavez, Laura Castillo, Armando Cuellar, and Santiago Estrada and grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Cruz was a man who found joy in life’s simple moments. He loved sitting down to watch his favorite TV shows with a peanut butter sandwich in hand and sharing stories about his Navy days or his years working as an accountant. His wisdom and sense of humor touched everyone who knew him.
He had a big heart and was always ready to lend a helping hand. Helping others wasn’t just something he did—it was who he was. He made it a priority to be there for those in need and kept a promise he once made to himself: to donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for as long as he lived.
Cruz will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and the love he shared so freely. His spirit lives on in the hearts of his family and friends, and his legacy of care and compassion will never be forgotten.
Visitation for Cruz will be held Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm with a rosary at 7:00 pm at Funeraria del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Ave, El Paso, Texas 79903. All are welcome to come and pay their respects.
Funeral mass will be Wednesday, November 12th at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 602 S Oregon St, El Paso, TX 79901; with interment to follow in Restlawn Memorial Park, 8700 Dyer St, El Paso, Texas 79904 with military honors.
Cruz’s family will forever cherish the sound of his laughter, the stories he told that seemed to grow funnier with time, and the warmth of his hugs that made everything feel okay. His presence filled every room with comfort and love. Though his chair may now sit empty, his spirit remains in the shared memories, the lessons he passed down, and the deep love that binds his family together. He loved being a grandpa — it was one of his greatest joys in life.
He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who had the honor of knowing him.
