Michael Victor Cruz

Born on June 24, 1953 in Orange, CA, Michael grew up in Fullerton and Buena Park. He moved to Corona with wife LeeAnn in 1980, where they started a family and immersed themselves in community. He taught Social Studies and Spanish for thirty years at Jurupa Middle School. He was an active parishioner at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church for over thirty years. He was a coach for over thirty-five years with Corona National Little League, at Centennial High School, and in other local youth programs. With his characteristic passion and humor, he impacted many lives.

Mike is survived by wife LeeAnn; son Jeremy and his wife Erzulie; son Thomas and his wife Michaelann; daughter Nesha, and her husband Marcel and their two children--Samarah and Isaiah; siblings Mopy, Arthur, Suzan, and Lisa; and numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren. He was preceded in death by parents Victor and Aurelia, and brother Vincent.

Viewing and vigil service will be held on Monday, April 14th from 4-8pm at Crestlawn Mortuary in Riverside. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 15th at 10am at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Corona, followed by burial at Crestlawn Mortuary at 11:30am. Friends and family are invited to join in remembering Mike and celebrating his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mike's honor to the Jurupa Unified School District (JUSD) Holiday Food Drive, which he helped organize for many years:

https://gofund.me/de8282d9

Michael's memory lives on in those he loved and mentored.