Aniano Santos Cruz

He lived for his family, loving them with all his heart.

As a young boy , he was extremely close to his mother and would accompany her on business trips into town.

As a young man, he would win dance competitions and share his prizes with his younger sisters.

He finished a 2-year pre-law degree at National University in Manila and then enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard.

He served in the Vietnam War and received many awards throughout his twenty years of proudly serving in the military, including the Vietnam Service Medal with 5 Bronze Stars.

He met his beautiful wife Esperanza on New Year’s Eve, asking her to dance for the very first time, refusing anyone who requested to cut in.

He participated in an amateur golf tournament in North Carolina and placed third. He was an excellent golfer.

He worked as a Barber at the Navy Exchange for 27 years.

He was surprised and thrilled when his daughter Sally chose to be a teacher like his beloved father.

He loved music, the sound of a piano, all styles of music: country, all Latin music, Filipino folk…and one could catch him singing along now and then.

He would lovingly watch his grandchildren play every Sunday while they visited.

He enjoyed hunting for doves with his brother and nephews.

He loved to tell stories and jokes to entertain others. He enjoyed seeing others happy.

He loved watching boxing and wrestling. He also loved to cook.

He chose every day to live a life of love, integrity, and inspiration for those he loved. We will miss you so much.