Joseph

Cruz

Joseph "Joe" V. Cruz

March 05, 1934 – March 12, 2023

Joe was born in East Los Angeles, CA on March 05, 1934. After his father passed away, his Mother and his five siblings all moved to Hollister where he lived for the remainder of his life. He attended and graduated from San Benito High School. What Joe lacked in stature he made up for in heart and natural ability and shined playing baseball, basketball, and football for the Haybalers. After graduation, Joe joined the United States Army and was able to travel outside the United States. It was while he was stationed in Germany that he would create memories of a lifetime and friendships that would last his whole life. After his stint in the Army, he returned to Hollister where he worked for the team of Larry Martin & Joe Miguel and as a field-man for the Cannery. In those years Joe was a superstar Uncle to his nieces and nephews and enjoyed spontaneous weekends in Nevada with friends to gamble or up to the bay area to attend a sporting event. Joe worked for Teledyne McCormick-Selph and in 1971 he married Jane Dabo. Joe always spoke highly of his co-workers and his time working at Teledyne. Joe finally retired after 35 years.

Joe was fondly known for being very sociable and always had an open-door policy for anyone that wanted to stop by for a visit, especially on a football Sunday. If you told him your drink of choice once, then he was sure to stock his outside refrigerator in preparation for the next visit. Joe had a great love for the music of Frank Sinatra and Louis Prima and if he heard the music playing, he most assuredly would have dazzled you with some of his "signature" moves. Joe was the type of person you could call if you needed anything. If he couldn't help you, he always knew a guy who could.

Joe died peacefully during the early hours of Sunday March 12, 2023, at 89 years of age. At just midweek he entered Hospice Care. Joe was able to remain in his Hollister home where he had resided for the past 52 years. Per his wishes, private services will be held at a later date.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Valeriano and Dolores, sister Mary Marquez, and brothers Armando (Mondo), Arthur (Bob), and Gustavo (Nonni).

Joe is survived by his wife Jane, daughters Jenna and Jonelle, and grandsons Angelo, Matteo and Giulio. He is also survived by his brother Ruben (Terry) Cruz as well as several nieces and nephews.

Donations in Joe's memory can be made to a charity of your choice or:

Diabetes Youth Families

5167 Clayton Road, Suite 57

Concord, CA 94521

www.dyf.org