Adolf Cruz

Adolf “Scotty” Cruz, “Pop”, 94, passed away peacefully on August 18th, 2020, at his Citrus Heights home surrounded by his family. Adolf was born on February 7th, 1926 in Fresno California to James Cruz and Dolores Padilla Cruz. His mother Dolores was the matriarch of the family and she lovingly raised her large family in the San Juaquin County area. Adolf was the fourth of eleven brothers and sisters. Dolores “Snookie” Cruz, James Cruz, Ramona “Mona” Abdullah, Carmelita Cozad, Dolores “Snookie” Riley, Jacinto “Jack” Cruz, Juanita Adams, Roberta “Bobbie” Rich, Gil Cruz and Lenora Guillen.

Adolf grew up in Lathrop, California where he attended Lathrop Grammar School and Manteca High. He served in the United States Coast Guard as a Merchant Marine from 1943-1947. In the beginning of his 4-year service, he was in the Steward Department, he then transferred to the engine room, rising from Wiper to 3rd Assistant Engineer. He served on several ships such as the USAT Gen O.H. Ernst, S.S. Mary M Dodge and the USAT Gen H.F. Hodges which led him to work in different parts of the world such as Japan, Manila, Korea, New Zealand, Hawaii and Guam.

Adolf’s sisters Bobbie and Snookie have shared that one of his biggest achievements was him marrying his wife of 73 years, Shirley Ryan. Shirley only 15 years old and Adolf 21 years old, were able to endure the trials and tribulations that marriage can bring, and truly showed us all what love can look like after 73 years of marriage. Their partnership and commitment to each other was filled with friendship, humor and unconditional love.

In 1959, Adolf earned his Contractors License from the State of California and in 1963 he bought his first piece of heavy equipment. Working independently for A. Teichert and Sons, and other developers, his love for the work blossomed. Purchasing another Paddlewheel in 1978 he was able to share his passion and taught the trade to his son, Jim Cruz. Adolf and Shirley worked side by side in the family construction business along with all four of their children, Pamela “Pam” Cruz, James “Jim” Cruz, Laurie Alves, Francie Cruz-Woesner and his granddaughter, Janae Hansard. In 1996 Adolf retired.

Adolf and Shirley built their house in 1963. Their house became notorious for gatherings/celebrations which will leave their children with everlasting memories. Throughout 1960 and the 1970’s, the Debonair Baton and Drum Choir families would gather in the backyard. After a long hot day marching in a parade, all would join together with a fun filled day of barrel races, gunny sack leg races, chasing June bugs and swimming in their dough boy pool. It continued to grow into the house for all family celebrations including Easter egg hunts, Super Bowl Birthday Parties, weddings, enchilada and tamale cooking and much more. Adolf loved his family!!

He adored his 10 grandchildren, Janae , John, Graham, Nicky, Jake, Lynde, Chelsey, Scot, Dani, Bo and his 11 Great Grandchildren, Ethan, Emma, Presleigh, Parker, Brayden, Cooper, Jessie, Andi, Grae, Jack, and Stella.

In addition to his devotion to his family, Adolf had a passion for his backyard birds as well as his dog Bella. Adolf spent many hours in the backyard soaking up the sun and using his go-go with Bella on the front roaming the property. He also enjoyed watching documentaries, news and wouldn’t miss reading the daily newspaper. Adolf was sharp as a whip, and was up with all the current technology and still monitored all of his account balances. He wanted to be reassured everything on his checklists were taken care of.

Adolf will be greatly missed and remembered for his love of life, humor and his undying love for his family. He knew he was loved and he returned that love with hugs and incredible grace during his challenging health struggles in the end.

If you would like to make a donation in Adolf’s Memory, donations can be made to American Legions, legion.org/donate/memorials or Hospice, [email protected]. The family would like to thank First Call Hospice, they truly were Pop’s and their angels during the transition to his peaceful end.

During these times, private Family graveside services will be held on Monday, August 31st, Mount Vernon Memorial Park-Mortuary.

Due to the current COVID protocols for Sac/Placer/El Dorado County, guests

must wear protective masks at all times while inside the funeral home facility

and practice the recommended six foot social distancing.