Pedro L. Cruz

Pedro L. Cruz a compassionate, generous and one of the strongest men alive died at the age of 70 on July 26, 2018 at 9:22am after 36 days at University Hospital ICU in San Antonio, Texas after a sudden unforeseen illness with his wife Patsy Carolina Cruz and his daughter Blanca, son Joe and grandson Jr. by his side. He peacefully passed on from this world on to God's Heavenly Kingdom.

In 1982 Pedro "Pete" was severely injured in an oilfield accident. After crashing from a 38ft fall in an elevator on a rig. His family was informed that he would not survive and if he did he would never be able to walk or ever be the same as before. One year later after a year in a hospital bed during a hurricane in 1983, he miraculously jumped out of his bed to protect his family from the perils of the storm. He did this despite being told from doctors that he would never walk or be normal. God's first miracle.

In 1995 Pedro faced another life changing obstacle. He was diagnosed with tuberculosis and was again on the brink of death. During this time his wife Patsy of 22 years bravely endured months of risks staying by his side regardless of all the consequences that came along with this disease. It was during this time that he was also diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. After a lengthly stay in the hospital and overcoming TB and controlling his cirrhosis, he quit drinking, stayed sober for over 18 years and regained his health. It was during these years of sobriety that he picked up his love for gambling. He traveled extensively to Fabulous Las Vegas as often as he could. Pedro had a very close circle of friends. He and his buddies would meet at the corner store and chat while they all drank coffee ate their tacos and discussed the latest news on a daily basis.

Patsy recalls Pedro as one of the most kindest, loving, gentle, respectful and the most caring man she has ever known. She said even in his quietness he showed all the best qualities of a great husband providing for her everything she needed and doing his things like cutting the grass despite his disabilities.

On June 20th after suffering from severe abdominal pain he was rushed to University Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Upon arriving in San Antonio he was given a 10 percent chance of survival, due to the complicated surgery that was going to be performed due to a severe abdominal infection. This would be the first of eight more surgeries he would unknowingly end up enduring. With the power of prayer from his family and friends Pedro defied the odds and mesmerized the doctors and staff and pulled through not only the first surgery but also each of the other seven delicate surgeries that followed. He was a warrior, a fighter and from his own words a very close "friend" with God. His "friend", our God would end up carrying him every time and pulling him through for another chance of survival. Never one to complain of pain he took each day in stride knowing that with prayer and his "friend" God. He was going to pull through whatever came his way. He kept everyone's spirit up by joking with them and telling them that everything was going to be alright. We can tell you that despite all the obstacles he faced, just seeing him every day reminded us all that God still makes miracles happen. He was a living testimony to the power of prayer and the mercy of his "friend" God Our Father. After 32 days and having to come up on his ninth surgery he was told that his frail body would not be able to tolerate it, but not due to his unwillingness but to the fact that tests showed that even with surgery the outcome would only prolong his suffering. He chose to forego the surgery and let God take him when he was ready. It was then on the 36th day in ICU surrounded by family he went to be with his "friend" God to his mansion in the sky.

We would like to acknowledge University Hospital staff with treating our father with dignity and never giving up on him. They always made us feel comfortable and at home. His wife Patsy, daughter Blanca and son Joe; never left his side. His extensive family from near and far also picked his spirits up by visiting and sacrificing every spare time they could find. He loved them all and their love for him kept him going day after day.

Pedro is preceded in death by his father Jose Cruz and mother Maria Louisa Lopez. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 22 years Patsy Carolina Cruz, children Janie Calvo, Jose (Cynthia) Cruz, Blanca (Greg) Cruz Ruiz of Victoria Texas, Marlene (Arnulfo) Garza, Francisco (Veronica) Turrubiates and Abraham (Mayra) Turrubiates all of Brownsville, Texas, 16 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 4 sisters and 1 brother.

Serving as Pallbearers is Patsy Turrubiates, Abraham Turrubiates, Cesar Garza Jr., Diego Calvo, Issac Cruz, Cory Flores and Pete Cruz. Serving as honorary pallbearers is Francisco Turrubiates Jr. and Aydren D. Cruz.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 30, 2018 from 1pm to 9pm at Funeraria del Angel Buena Vista. Visitation continuation on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 from 8am to 9pm with a Rosary at 7pm at Funeraria del Angel Buena Vista. Funeral Mass on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at 10am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church followed by a committal service to Buena Vista Burial Park. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Funeraria del Angel Buena Vista.