Sidney Romero Cruz, M.D.

Sid was born in the Philippines 6 months prior to the start of WWII on June 25, 1941 to Mariano E. Cruz and Elena Romero Cruz of Bulacan, Philippines. He married Judy (Behl) on June 28, 1969 in Chicago, IL. They were blessed to celebrate 55 years of marriage.

Sid attended the University of the East for undergraduate and Far Eastern University - Dr. Nicanor Reyes School of Medicine in Manila, Philippines. He interned at Clark Field US Air Force Base in the Philippines as well as the Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago, IL. His residency was in Internal Medicine and his fellowship was in Endocrinology and Metabolism at the Veterans Research Hospital, Northwestern University Medical Center in Chicago, IL. After his schooling was completed Sid was a physician in private practice for 38 years in Chicago, IL. After retirement he worked at the Veterans Outpatient Clinics in Pensacola, FL and Cape Coral, FL for 10 years. He felt it was such an honor to serve our veterans, whom he greatly respected.

He was a member of the American Medical Association, Chicago Medical Society, American Diabetes Associates, and the Endocrine Society. He was also a member of the Edgebrook Covenant Church in Chicago, IL, a deacon at the Skokie Valley Baptist Church in Wilmette, IL, and a deacon and usher at the Covenant Church of Naples PCA in Naples, FL.

He received numerous honors and awards in his lifetime, and served as Chairman of the Department of Medicine at Swedish Covenant Hospital for a term, as well as of the Endocrine Section. He had the honor to help the formation of the Wound Care Unit at the Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago, IL. He loved teaching and mentoring students, interns, and residents. He was an associate professor at the Rosalind Franklin School of Medicine in North Chicago, IL.

Sid is preceded in death by his father, Mariano E. Cruz; his mother, Elena Romero Cruz; and his brothers, Rex R. Cruz and Mariano R. Cruz Jr.

Sid is survived by his wife, Judy M. Cruz (Behl); his children, Rachel J. Cruz (Chad Baker), Lauralyn M. Cruz, and Douglas M. Cruz; his granddaughter, Abigail Cruz Ficke; his sister, Rosario Cruz Espanola; his sister-in-law, Lourdes R. Cruz; and many much loved nieces and nephews along with their families, and friends who have become family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11AM on December 28, 2024 at Skokie Valley Baptist Church in Wilmette, IL. A second Celebration of Life will be held at 11AM on January 11, 2025 at the Covenant Church of Naples PCA in Naples, FL.

Arrangements are made by Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens in Naples, FL and Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home in Chicago, IL.

The family of Sidney Cruz wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Alan Galbut for his support and care, his office staff (Grace), the staff of Avow Hospice, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital, NCH Baker Hospital, and NCH North Naples Hospital. We so appreciate the compassion and care.

In lieu of flowers contributions in Chicago, IL may be made to the Inner City Impact, Skokie Valley Baptist Church, or the American Diabetes Association. Contributions in Naples, FL may be made to the Covenant Church of Naples PCA, Legacy Imperative, or the International Network of Creatives. You may also donate to the charity of your choice.