Lawrence Anthony Cruz

September 3, 1930 – April 13, 2017

Mr. Cruz was born on September 3, 1930 in Manhattan, NY. He married Jean Mildred Archer from Ahoskie, NC on August 18, 1954. Survived by his wife Jean and six children, Gregory Cruz (Anthony, FL), Glen Cruz (Etters, PA), Robert Cruz (Jacksonville, FL), Randall Cruz (New Cumberland, PA), Laura Noe (Boca Raton, FL), and Donna Betties (Brandon, FL). They have fourteen grandchildren: Amanda Cruz, Sarah Cruz, Stephan Cruz, Rebecca Kane, Shayna Harte, Dana Foremny, Christopher Cruz, James Cruz, Adam Cruz, Jarrett Cruz, Patrick Cruz, Nathan Cruz, Michael Noe, and Kristen Burtsell. They have six great-grandchildren: Kaleb Cruz, Kai Kane, Noa Kane, Maryn Harte, Nolen Cruz and Madison Burtsell.

He served in the New York National Guard from June 24, 1947 until April 14, 1949 and then he served in the Air Force. Following service in the Air Force, he applied and was accepted into the Warrant Officer Program for the U.S. Army where he served for 28 years until his retirement on April 20, 1978. Upon his retirement from the Army he went on to work for the U.S. Postal Service and then from there went to work with the Hillsborough County School District for 14 years where he served as a guidance counselor for both Armwood and Bloomingdale High School. He retired from the school system in 1994.

He was a lifetime member of MOAA, Moose, VFW, and American Legion. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Cruz’s memory may be made to Parkinson’s Research, Veteran’s Association or a charity of your choice.

Interment will take place at Florida National Cemetery at a later date.