Rosinaldo Cruz

U.S. Air Force (USAF) Chief Master Sergeant (CMSGT Retired) Rosinaldo “Ross” Cruz, age 77, passed away with quiet dignity in the loving care of his family on January 4th, 2013 in San Antonio, Texas (TX) following a courageous battle with a long illness. Ross Cruz, beloved husband, is survived by his devoted wife of almost 60 years, Mary Dolores Angela Fresquez residing in San Antonio, TX. He was born Roman Catholic in Dixon, New Mexico (NM) on March 28th, 1935 the only child of Sulema Leyba and Jose Fernando Cruz (deceased) of Las Trampas, New Mexico. He was also brother to his only sister, Olivia Romero of Santa Fe, NM. He belonged to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, San Antonio, TX. Ross Cruz enlisted in the USAF on May 20, 1952 honoring our nation with his service for thirty years serving in both peacetime and war, overseas and in the U.S, until his retirement on May 20th, 1982. During his career he rose to the highest USAF enlisted rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Among his many military awards and decorations included the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with one silver and three bronze oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Presidential Unit Citation with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one silver oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star, Korean Service Medal , Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm, Air Force Longevity Service Award with one silver and one bronze oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal with two bronze loops, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and the United Nations Service Medal. Loving Father to Mary Ercilia Stehling (Houston, TX), Ferdinand Paul Cruz, Orlando Elmer Cruz, Joseph Edward Cruz (San Antonio, TX), and Larry Ross Cruz (Albuquerque, NM). Cherished Grandfather to Adam Stehling, Lauren Prince, Thomas Cruz, Ian Cruz, Christina Stehling, and Alycia Cruz; blessed with Great-Grand Children Christian Cruz and Brady Prince. Survived in-law with respect and love by John Romero, Jerald Stehling, Dana Johnson-Cruz, Barbara Cruz, and Josh Prince; and with affection numerous loving relatives, friends, and acquaintances. Forever in our hearts, God’s love and peace keep you always. Visitation will be at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 9, 2013 from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. with a rosary at 7:00 P.M. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 1:00 P.M. Thursday, January 10, 2013 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 4222 SW Loop 410 with services to continue at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with U.S. Air Force Military Honors. Memorial contributions in Ross’s memory are welcome to the St. Jude Shrine- The Pallottines, 512 West Saratoga Street, Baltimore MD, 21201 (www.stjudeshrine.org) and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 4222 S.W. Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78277 (Ph: 210-674-1200)