Johnny Blas Cruz

Johnny Blas Cruz passed away in Jupiter, FL on September 8, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Agana, Guam on October 27, 1948, to Juan and Matilde Cruz, and his older sister Patricia, the family moved to San Diego, CA when Johnny was three years old. They stayed in San Diego until they settled down and Johnny began high school in Washington, DC.

Upon graduating from Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, DC, Johnny went on to study at Mount St. Mary’s College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Sociology. His brief work as a social worker took him back to Guam. While there, he met his wife, Teresita Flores Torres. After a small wedding on Guam, he brought her back to Alexandria, VA, where they began their 49-year marriage. They lived in northern Virginia until 2019, when they moved to Jupiter, FL to help their daughter Anna-Marie, and her husband Andrew, take care of their two children. Two years later, his daughter Elena and her husband Keith moved to Pembroke Pines, FL, bringing the family geographically together for the first time in over 10 years. He was so happy to have his family within one hour of each other.

Johnny left social work in the early 80’s for a career in IT. He worked for a few companies (PEPCO, GTE Telenet/Sprint, and Boeing), before finally settling down at Freddie Mac, where he worked for over 25 years. During his years at Freddie Mac, he made many friends whom he considered part of his extended family. After his retirement in 2020, he enjoyed hosting his friends from Freddie Mac, several of whom flew down to FL to visit him.

Arguably, one of his proudest moments was attending the graduation of his daughters from Penn State. Their admission kicked off a lifelong love for the school, and most especially, the football team. His love for Penn State continued for many years, as he purchased season tickets every year, until he moved to Florida. On any given Saturday between September and December, you’d find him either in front of the tv, or at the stadium, cheering on his favorite team.

In keeping with his wishes, a viewing and celebration of life will be held at Aycock-Riverside Funeral Home in Jupiter, FL on Friday, September 22, 2023, from 12 PM – 4 PM. Participants may join via Zoom using the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84412701413?pwd=bmorelRuUVRBektmMXNJSk5HYTBNZz09

His family will be spreading his ashes at his favorite places over the next two years.

In addition to his wife Terri, Johnny is survived by his two daughters, Anna-Marie (Andrew) and Elena (Keith), his grandsons Noah and Julian, his sister, Patricia Ryan, and countless other family members. He will also be missed by his grandcats, Percy and Cleo Platt.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to Potentia Academy. Johnny was a volunteer there and he loved the school, the administration, and most importantly, the students, who are on the Autism spectrum. Donations may be made at: https://www.potentiaacademy.org/donations