Phil Cruz

Phil CruzBorn the 28th of May 1922 and entered into rest on the 28th of April 2010. Loving husband of Lita Pautin Cruz; dedicated father of Philip Jr., Tim and Andrew Cruz. Phil retired from the Navy around 1963, and his service included World War II American and Asiatic Pacific Campaign, occupation service, guerilla warfare and several ground, sea and naval air crusades. He was also a civil service worker for more than 40 years, holding jobs at the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard and the Mare Island Naval Shipyard.Phil enjoyed traveling, family life and relating stories of his experiences. He appreciated honesty and expected no less of others than he expected of himself. As a devout catholic man, he lived by example and took good care of his wife and children and, above all else, his wife of more than 50 years meant the world to him. His favorite expression when addressing his children and his grandchildren was ?you little sh**?.?. He is survived by three sons, three daughters-in-law, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild that he had yet to meet. To Lita Pautin Cruz from her husband, Phil Cruz?I love my darling wife, my dear, sweet Lita Pautin Cruz, She is the best woman in life a man could ever choose.I loved her from the start and more each passing day;A love like this that?s shared can never go away.I saw Lita from the beginning, with her long and flowing hair;She was so amazing; all I could do was stare. And when I had to leave, I knew someday she?d belong to me,Knowing our life together was surely meant to be.And finally when I returned, she was waiting with an open heart;I took her into my life, so we?d never be apart.And thus our years together began to blossom and to grow,A bond like this unique that few would ever know.I called her a kind and peaceful woman and an excellent mother too;And despite hardships and struggles, she stood by me through and through.And though I?ve now departed, I am never really away. I tell her in her heart and mind that I, by her side, will stay. And when the days are lonely and the nights are far too long,I ask to my dear loving Lita that, for me, she will be strong. From your loving husband, Phil.Friends may visit on Thursday May 6, 2010 after 8:00AM and are invited to attend the Funeral Service also on Thursday at 8:30AM from the chapels of Valente Marini Perata & Co. then to Church of the Epiphany where a 9:00AM Funeral Mass will be celebrated. Committal to follow at the Sacramento National Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered at by clicking the Guest Book button on this page. Visitations: 8:00AM to 8:30AM on Thursday, May 6th, 2010 at Valente Marini Perata & Co. Funeral Directors (map/driving directions) Services: 9:00AM at Church of the Epiphany on Thursday, May 6th, 2010 (map/driving directions) Cemetery: Sacramento Valley VA National Cemetery5810 Midway RoadDixon, CA 95620 (map/driving directions)

Phil Cruz

May 2, 1922 - April 28, 2010