Joe A. Cruz Jr., entered eternal life November 27, 2020 in Tucson, AZ at Banner University Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 17, 1942 to Joe and Cora Cruz in Dawson, NM. He retired from Freeport McMoran in Morenci, AZ where he worked for 35 years. After retiring, Joe and his wife Florence settled in Clifton, AZ where he helped take care of his ailing wife, and worked as a Park Ranger at North Clifton RV Park until his death.  

Joe had an infectious laugh, everyone laughed with him, even though, sometimes we weren’t sure why we were laughing. He enjoyed being around his family and friends telling stories. He took pride in keeping his vehicles clean and polished, which he did daily.

Joe also loved yard work, which he showed by the way he kept his own yard. Last but not least, he enjoyed his sweets with coffee.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Florence; one daughter, Angela (Jimmy); one son, Billy (Cynthia); grandsons, Kevin (Issai), Patrick, Jesse (Jessica), Jaine, Matthew and one granddaughter, Desiree (Angel); great-grandchildren, Isabella, Ezmia, Marques, Elexis, Sophie, Azzi, and Xavier; his brothers, George (Lucy), Art (Virgie), Tony (Priscilla), Pat (Donna), Tom (Melinda); his sisters, Edna (Albert), Helen (Felimon), Emma (Mike) and Kathy; one brother in-law, Pedro Mondragon and many nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by one great-grandson, Lorenzo Cisneros; his grandparents, his parents, two sisters, Phyllis Cruz and Rose Mondragon; one brother in-law, Fernando Flores.

Visitation will be Friday, December 4 from 1:30-2pm at St. Francis Newman Center with the holy rosary being recited by Deacon Bill Holguin to begin at 2pm. Concluding service cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Patrick, Kevin, Jessie, Desiree, Angel and Matthew. Honorary pallbearers will be Jaime and Lorenzo Cisneros and Tony Ortega. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.