Richard Roy Cruz

Our beloved father, grandfather, husband, and friend, Richard Roy Cruz, went to be with the Lord at the age of 83. He met and married the love his life, Margaret Balleza, where they shared 53 blissful years together. In 1952, he joined the United States Navy, serving during the Korean War. During his military career, he worked as a lead radio operator. Richard loved his family and certainly adored all of his grandchildren. He was very traditional and a devout Catholic. One of the principles he believed in most was "RESPECT," in which he instilled in his children as they were growing up, remembering to always respect your elders. Richard was also a very hard worker, who had a consistent work ethic and could fix anything! After 35 years of service with Kelly Air Force Base, he retired from his position as an electronic manager. He was so dedicated that after retiring, he worked as a bus driver for SAISD, a job he truly enjoyed.

In his spare time, he relaxed and enjoyed playing chess and watching TV, with war movies and history channels being a few of his favorites. He also enjoyed animals, where he loved all three of his Nikos. Richard was a very personable, generous, and loving man who will be dearly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Gonzalo and Cecilia Cruz; sister, Irene Cruz Teneyuca, brothers-in-law, Joseph Z. Teneyuca, and William Stevens.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret B. Cruz; sons, Michael Cruz and wife, Stacey, and John Cruz and wife Danielle; grandchildren, Lauren Cruz, Austin Cruz, Hannah Cruz, Jude Cruz and Caleb Cruz; and sister, Elaine Stevens, and numerous close relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 25, 2018 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at St. Paul Catholic Church.

ROSARY

MONDAY- JUNE 25, 2018

7:00 P.M.

ST. PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH

350 SUTTON

MASS

TUESDAY- JUNE 26, 2018

3:00 P.M.

ST. PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH

Interment in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Thursday June 28, 2018 at 9:30am, Shelter #3.

Pallbearers will be Austin Cruz, Paul Teneyuca, Patrick Balleza, Raul Elizondo Jr, James Flores, Robert Balleza. Honorary Pallbearer, Steve Flores.