David Michael Cruz

David Michael Cruz, 79, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026. Born on October 24, 1946, in Ohio, David lived a life defined by service, perseverance, curiosity, and, above all, his love for his family.

David proudly served his country in the United States Navy for more than 20 years, retiring as an E-8 Senior Chief Petty Officer. His military career reflected the qualities that defined him throughout his life: dedication, strength, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right. Following his naval career,

David continued working with Impressions of Virginia, where he brought that same work ethic and integrity to everything he did.

David was a lifelong believer in the importance of education and never stopped learning. In 2009, he accomplished a goal that meant a great deal to him when he earned his degree from the University of Virginia, graduating summa cum laude. He loved to read, stay informed about the world around him, discover new foods, and engage in thoughtful conversation. His curiosity and love of learning were gifts he passed on to those around him.

His greatest joy, however, was his family. David loved his children and was especially proud of his grandchildren. He cherished the unique relationships he shared with Nathan, Joseph, and Elizabeth, and took great pride in watching each of them grow.

He often spoke fondly of the years when Nathan and Joseph were younger and the three of them would spend time together. Those memories held a special place in his heart, and he would often reminisce about their adventures, their personalities, and the laughter they brought into his life. David was incredibly proud of the strong young men they had become and admired the strength, character, and determination they each possessed. Their presence brought a lightness and joy to the family that David treasured deeply. He loved watching them grow and took great pride in the wonderful men they were becoming. The memories they created together were among the stories he returned to often and remained a source of happiness for him throughout his life.

David shared a particularly special bond with his granddaughter, Elizabeth, whom he lovingly called Summer. Having wanted her to be named Summer, he never quite accepted that she wasn’t and insisted on calling her Summer throughout her life. When she was young, the two of them would often watch Jeopardy! together, sharing their love of learning and the simple joy of spending time side by side. David also nurtured Summer’s passion for art, often delighting in spoiling her with new art supplies and tools to encourage her creativity. He took great pride in seeing her discover something she loved and was always eager to support her interests.

They also shared a love of 1970s music, a connection that brought them countless moments of laughter and conversation. And when it came to Summer, for all of David’s strong opinions and stubbornness, there was one thing he could rarely do, tell her no. She held a special place in his heart, and he cherished every moment they shared.

David shared a very close and special bond with his daughter Alexandra throughout his life. He gave her a lifelong love of reading, and some of her fondest memories are of their Sunday morning trips to the bookstore, when it was just the two of them. Those quiet mornings spent together, surrounded by books, became memories she would treasure throughout her life and a reflection of the love of reading that he passed on to her.

As the years went on, Alexandra had the privilege of caring for her father and being by his side through the later years of his life. She was there for him through the challenges that came with aging, always striving to honor his wishes and give him the dignity, comfort, and love he deserved. Their relationship came full circle, as the father who had spent his life caring for and guiding his daughter was, in his later years, cared for and guided by her. It was a responsibility she carried with love and one she will forever be grateful to have shared with him.

David’s love for his children remained constant throughout his life. He missed his beloved daughter, Kara, deeply after her passing and carried that loss with him every day. Her absence was something he felt profoundly, but he continued to hold her memory and the love they shared close to his heart. His family finds comfort knowing that after years of missing her, he is now reunited with Kara.

David was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Kara Cruz Turnipseed; his parents, Anthony and Ernestine Cruz; his sister, Frances Martinez; and his son-in-law, Daniel Turnipseed.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Alexandra E. Cruz; his cherished grandchildren, Nathan Turnipseed, Joseph Turnipseed, and Elizabeth “Summer” Rousseau; his devoted siblings, Barbara Cruz, Patricia Cruz, Lisa Cruz, and Phillip (Angie) Cruz; and numerous nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.

While David’s family will forever feel the profound loss of his presence, there is comfort in knowing that he is once again with those he loved and lost before him, his daughter Kara, his sister Frances, and his parents. After a life of service, learning, perseverance, and love, he is finally at peace.

David Michael Cruz will be remembered not only for the life he built and the country he served, but for the lessons he quietly passed on: the importance of education, the joy of a good book, the value of perseverance, and the immeasurable importance of family. His love, his stories, his laughter, his music, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude for the love, kindness, prayers, and support received during this difficult time. In keeping with David’s wishes, services will be private, honoring his desire for a peaceful and intimate farewell.