Obituary of Eugenio C. Cruz Sr.

Eugenio Cruz Sr. was born on January 11^th, 1937 in the province of Pampanga in the Philippines.  He was the 4^th of 9 children of Leoncio and Juana Cruz.  Eugenio finished his first year of high school and then began working miscellaneous jobs.  Eugenio developed a work ethic that started at the age of 7, selling newspapers.

He met Leticia Pasion and loved her so much that he married her twice!  The first time was on December 13, 1965 in a court house.  They again got married in a Catholic church on March 26^th, 1966.  They have 6 children, saving the best one for last.

Eugenio worked at Continental Brokerage, dealing with exports coming into the Philippines.  In the late 70’s, Eugenio and his friends formed United Brokerage.  He worked with his friends, strengthening the company until he left.

On May 7^th, 1984 Eugenio moved his entire family to a foreign land, in hopes of better opportunities for him and his family.  Imagine bringing your family to a foreign land with a foreign language and learning its culture and lifestyle, while raising 6 kids…tough right?  Eugenio found a job with Syntex Laboratories in Palo Alto, CA as a production line worker.  He worked there for approximately 11 years, before being let go when the plant closed.  Eugenio retired and returned to the Philippines with Leticia.  After a few years, they returned to the U.S. to join their children.

Throughout our childhood, Eugenio made us feel blessed, lucky and loved.  He was the most patient and understanding man, with a tender and forgiving heart.  Eugenio displayed great wisdom and kept things simple: 1) as long as you do it out of love, you’ll do it right, 2) what you do comes back to you, and 3) pray.

On September 15^th, 2023 Eugenio became ill.  Multiple medical procedures and a life-saving attempt was made, but on September 29^th, Eugenio was called home to heaven.  Eugenio left behind his beautiful and loving wife of 57 years, 6 children, 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren…along with multiple nieces and nephews.  Eugenio will always be remembered for his loving and caring nature, his patience and sagacity.

A visitation will be held for Eugenio on both Wednesday and Thursday, October 4th and 5th from 1-6pm with a Rosary Service at 5pm at Healey Mortuary.  His Funeral Mass will be Friday, October 6th at 10am at Madonna Del Sasso Church followed by burial at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.