Joseph S. Cruz

Joseph was born in Hanford, California on May 4, 1934 to Placido and Lucia Cruz. He was raised and educated in Hanford, attending, Hamilton Elementary, Woodrow Wilson Middle School and graduated from Hanford High School in 1953. He received his Associates Degree in Sociology from College of Sequoias in Visalia. Joseph entered the United States Army, serving from 1957 to 1962+-- in Korea and Okinawa, Japan. Following his discharge from the service, Joseph worked in civil service at NAS Lemoore for 30 years, retiring in 1994. On May 14, 1960 Joseph married Mary Ortega in Hanford. To this union was born three children, Edward, Albert and Angela. Joseph enjoyed coaching little league when his boys were smaller, golfing, hunting, woodworking and gardening. He was a very caring and loving husband, father and grandfather. Joseph especially enjoyed family gatherings and visiting with neighbors and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and two brothers.

Joseph leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Mary of Hanford; two sons, Edward Cruz of Hanford and Albert Cruz and wife, Tisha of San Francisco, CA; one daughter, Angela Hernandez and husband Ephren of Corcoran, CA and one grandson, Matthew Verhage.

Memorial services will be held at Koinonia Christian Fellowship Church of Hanford on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 10 a.m. Pastor W.C. Ray will officiate.

Condolences may be offered at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com

Arrangements entrusted to People’s Funeral Chapel, 501 N. Douty St., Hanford, CA 93230 (559) 584-5591