Jose Antonio Cruz-Ruiz

Jose Antonio “Tito” Cruz, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed on June 13, 2026, at his home in Costa Mesa at the age of 80. He is survived by his beloved wife Elvia, sons Elvys (Betty), Marcos (Peter), and daughter Marleane, along with 8 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was born March 28, 1946, in Ponce, Puerto Rico to Jose Isabel Cruz and Juana Ruiz. He had three siblings, Rosa Maria, Analina, and Julio -all who preceded him in death along with his parents. He was raised in a small barrio called Vallas Torres, Ponce, Puerto Rico where everyone knew everyone.

Tito joined the U.S. Army in 1968 and served for 24 years, completing two deployments to Vietnam along with serving at various global duty stations. While stationed in Panama he met the love of his life, Elvia, and the Cruz family story began.

After retiring from military service in 1992 at the rank of Sergeant First Class (P) Tito served as a civilian contractor completing additional overseas assignments in Kosovo, Bosnia, and Kuwait.

While retired in Texas, Tito and Elvia enjoyed returning to visit friends throughout Europe and returning to Panama to visit in-laws in the Interior, where the simple ways of living never left him.

Tito was a role model for his children and showed them how to have a vision, a plan, and the courage and determination to pursue it. He loved baseball and dancing, both of which he shared with his family. In later years he and Elvia moved to Costa Mesa to be closer to their daughter and youngest grandchildren.

Tito ventured out of his comfort zone long ago to bring forth entire new generations of Cruzes. It is our hope that in this manner, we will always keep his memory alive in our hearts and honor him.

The family would like to thank all the health care providers who helped him during his battle with cancer during these final years.

Rest in peace, father in the presence and comfort of the LORD.

“Papa, que descanses en paz y encuentres consuelo en la presencia del Señor.”