Israel Cruz

Israel “Izzy” Cruz peacefully passed away on February 20, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 96 years old. He was married for 67 years to Wilma Cruz; loving father to Shelly (George), Cindy (Peter), Mike (Lori), and Mark (Lisa); proud “Grampa” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Uncle Izzy to his nieces and nephews; and the unofficial mayor of Leavitt Street.

Izzy was born in San German, Puerto Rico, in 1929, though the exact date is up for debate. He was raised by his adoring mother, Mercedes Castillo, and stepfather, Ambrose Castillo. In 1948, he followed in his brother Ray’s footsteps and moved to Chicago, where he first encountered the bitter cold stepping off the plane in his white linen suit. Soon after arriving, he met and fell in love with Wilma Johanan while they were both members of the Wright Jr. College Choir. From 1951-1953, their romance continued as Izzy served in the Army in Germany during the Korean War, faithfully writing letters home to Wilma. In January 1954, Izzy and Wilma married, and Izzy began his career at Nimz Trucking before later joining Associated Trucking Lines. During this time, Izzy and Wilma welcomed their four children.

When the Cruz family moved to Leavitt Street in 1965, they became fast friends with their new neighbors – a tradition of community that continued for the next 60 years. Izzy balanced working the night shift with spending time with his family. He was an active member of Lakeview Mennonite Brethren Church, where he performed church music and served as Sunday School Superintendent, touching many young lives with his humor.

One of Izzy’s greatest passions was music. He loved singing and playing the guitar and delighted in performing for his family. He took guitar lessons at the Old Towne School of Folk Music, and he especially enjoyed Spanish flamenco music. Izzy and Wilma recorded countless hours of PBS concerts and found great joy in sharing musicals such as “The Sound of Music” and “Singin’ in the Rain” with their grandchildren.

It’s safe to say Izzy never met a stranger. His laugh announced his presence in any room, and he brought personality everywhere he went. And while he always maintained a love for his Puerto Rican birthplace, or “his island”, he embraced Chicago life wholeheartedly. He knew everything from the names of the servers at his favorite restaurants in Lincoln Square, to the political platform of any local alderman. He followed the news within his family and community with equal diligence, and whether for an update on a cousin’s job or details on the latest city ordinance, Izzy was the go-to source for those who knew him. His love for his community was perhaps only matched by his appreciation of a good meal; he famously liked to say, “Don’t talk to me, I’m eating.” Gathering with loved ones for holidays showed Izzy in his element– eating, joking, and surrounded by family. That's how Izzy will be remembered: larger than life, laughing at the head of the table.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for any memorial contributions to be made in Izzy's name to Rainbow Hospice at 1550 Bishop Ct., Mt. Prospect, IL 60056; 847-685-9900.

A visitation will be held on Monday, March 2 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Drake and Son Funeral Home, 5303 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625. A Funeral Service will be at 11:30 am on Tuesday, March 3 at Drake and Son Funeral Home, 5303 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625.

Fond memories of Israel may be expressed at www.drakeandsonfuneralhome.com