Robert G Cruz

SUNRISE:November 29, 1927 SUNSET:February 16, 2021

Robert, “Bob” “Bobbie” "Bobby" G. Cruz, 93 went to be with the Lord peacefully surrounded by his beloved Mae, the love of his life for 70 years holding his left hand. His daughter Cathleen, held his right.

He was born in San Antonio, Texas on November 29, 1927, to Evangeline and Julius Cruz. Robert later became a big brother to the sweetest cat loving sister; Connie and a talented cool musician brother; George. Evangeline remarried a good man, James Prado who became an important loving source of strength to the family. Bobbi attended De Zavala Elementary, Irving Junior School (where he first met his lovely Lily Mae), then The San Antonio Vocational High School. He joined the R.O.T.C. team, became a member of the CYO Club Caballeros (lifelong friendships remained- Hector, Joe, Roy, Tony, Arthur, Belisario and Edmund). Mae shares that he was so loving towards his family and friends and his mama would say; “Mi hijo es un santo.” After being honorably discharged from the U.S.Navy at the end of World War II, he then attended St. Mary’s University.

The two high school sweethearts who had signed each others’ yearbooks, kept dating after high school, were married on June 24, 1951. Bob and Mae renewed their vows in 2001 for their 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary. Both ceremonies were held at the historical San Fernando Catholic Cathedral in downtown San Antonio. A few wedding party members were actually present for their 50th celebration and the presence of their grandchildren, family and friends filled their hearts with joy. (Grandpa and Grandma were also honored when grandchildren Cameron and Molly exchanged their vows on the same date in 2016.) Robert and Mae bought the perfect house with a front porch in 1951. Eight years later, Cathleen (Cathy) became their firstborn child. Four and a half years later, they had a son, Robert Jr. (Bobby). So kind and full of grace, it did not take long for Mr. and Mrs. Cruz to be known and loved by the MSH sisters and community. They have both kept in touch with Sister Cornelius (Mother Superior), Sister Mary Hope (Cathy’s first grade teacher) and Sister Dominic (Bobby’s Kindergarten teacher). Bob was a gentle and selfless family man, a friendly neighbor, a devoted brother and compadre’. The Cruz family grew, giving them more blessings...four grandchildren; Vanessa, Cameron, Taylor, and Garrett. Later came four great-grandsons; (Vanessa and Charles); Noah and Luke, (Cameron and Molly); Braden and Oliver. Bob valued any opportunity for time well invested with the treasures that filled him with pride and love. He never hesitated...enjoying Cathy’s dance recitals, cheerleading and twirling, Bobby’s ROTC, photography and guitar playing. He continued the momentum for his grandchildren. Win or lose, through failures or accomplishments, early mornings, late nights, tired or not, he LOVED being present and supported everyone. He attended everything; Equestrian, band, choir, play productions, bowling, track, basketball, baseball, football, karate, soccer, award ceremonies, birthdays, holiday celebrations, winter/spring/summer break outings, graduations, performances and so much more. He wasn’t going to miss out and that meant the world to all of us. Later, he enjoyed more time as Grandpa and Grandpapa with Grandma and Grandmama. He loved after school time with his grandchildren and these last few years, had many opportunities to spend time with his great-grandsons.

Bob’s career led him to work for several companies such as; Strauss-Frank Company, Radio and Television Parts Company, RCA Distributing Corporation, Interstate Electric Company, and Sherman Electronics Supply, Inc.. As he traveled the Hill Country, his clients became lifelong friends. His boss from RCA even gifted him with a trip to Europe for two. Paris, France was a memorable favorite. After he retired, he became a consultant to previous clients from Mexico City. On his 80th Birthday, a surprise party was held at La Fonda which included out of town friends who came to celebrate Robert.

Bob was a member of St. Gregory, The Great Catholic Church. He enjoyed traveling with his family and visited Albuquerque and Santa Fe, Las Vegas, Arizona, San Francisco and Hollywood, Kickapoo Lucky Eagle, Louisiana and Houston. He LOVED The San Antonio Spurs, casinos, horse races at Retama Park, The Harlequin Dinner Theatre, Fiesta Texas, FIESTA parades and NIOSA (Maria’s tortillas & Anticuchos), Ladybird Johnson Park, picking peaches in Fredericksburg, bowling, concerts, dancing, western boots with a good western belt buckle, classy suits/shoes and ties, George and Aaron gigs, reading the newspaper, and The Prados’ Christmas singalongs. He had a lot of fun with a collection hobby.

Bob had some favorite foods which included... his Mama’s Spanish rice, Lily Mae’s Meat with Gravy and Vermicelli, Cathy’s tortilla soup, fresh corn on the cob, pan dulce, Oreo cookies, beignets, Roundrock Donuts, Karam tamales, pralines, snow cones, fresh sweet fruit (strawberries, peaches, watermelon, pineapple), a juicy steak, BBQ, cherry pie, strawberry shortcake, and any homemade dessert created by grandchildren. His all time favorite restaurant was Teka Molino which he frequented a few times a week. He loved their enchilada plate with double rice and his daughter made sure he had his Teka EVERY week. He enjoyed coffee (with a little cream), a cold beer, a glass of wine and a frozen margarita too. He also loved playing golf and was a member of the Metropolitan Golf Association.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Eva and Julius Cruz, step-father; James Prado, sister; Connie Cruz. He is survived by his devoted wife; Lily Mae, son; Robert, daughter; Cathleen Henry (Scot), grandchildren; Vanessa (Charles), Cameron (Molly), Taylor (Britney), and Garrett, great grandsons; Noah, Luke, Braden and Oliver. He is also survived by his brother; George Prado (Beverly), niece; Alicia, nephew; Aaron (Lori) great-nephew/niece; Benny/Vera, and the best furry love; Rita B.

Bob Cruz was a true gentleman, simple, thoughtful, kind, patient, supportive and loving. God's work has gifted his legacy to live on through his grandchildren and so many others.

On behalf of the family, thank you for your presence at this tribute of a life well lived and well remembered. Your expressions of sympathy and kindness have been most appreciated in this time of bereavement. The funeral service on Saturday at 2:00 pm will be livestreamed at http://cloud.mediafusionapp.com/mf/memeorialService.html.

Please sign and share memories! A “Forever With Us” book will be created.

*To celebrate and honor my daddy, feel free to wear any of his favorites!

God Bless, Always Love, Always…. X0 Cat

****The family would love your presence … Saturday, April 3, 2021

1:00 Everlasting Memorial prior to service Sunset Memorial

2:00 Service Chapel 1701 Austin Hwy.

3:00 Burial San Antonio, Texas 78218

4:15 TBA ***Masks required 210-828-2811