Albert Cruz

Albert Cruz November 1, 1954 – September 27, 2024 Albert Cruz, 69, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2024, surrounded by his beloved family. There will be a Visitation at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory on Thursday, October 10, 2024, from 5pm to 7pm. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, located at 506 S. Lincoln Ave, Roswell, NM. A Rosary will begin at 1:00 pm, followed by a Funeral Mass. The Graveside Service will take place immediately afterward at McBride Cemetery. Born in Fabens, TX, on November 1, 1954, to Antonio and Sabina Cruz, Albert grew up in Roswell, NM, where he graduated from Roswell High School in 1973. On November 3, 1973, he married his high school sweetheart, Martha Salazar. Their love for each other spanned 51 beautiful years, and Albert cherished Martha deeply throughout their life together. Together, they built a wonderful life, raising two daughters, Angelica and Erica. Albert’s work ethic was evident from a young age. He started by selling newspapers in Roswell and later worked at Furr’s Cafeteria and Mrs. Arias Cafe while still in high school. He proudly served in the New Mexico National Guard and held positions at Glover Meat Packing and the TMC/Nova bus plant as the inventory supervisor. For the past 18 years, he was the Head Custodian at Mesa Middle School, where he loved working with both the staff and students. He was known for his dedication and genuine care for the school community, forming strong bonds with the people he worked alongside. As Communication Workers of America Unit Director, Albert was a tireless advocate for the custodial, maintenance, and security departments, ensuring employees’ rights were protected. Albert loved spending time with his family and dinners with friends were a cherished tradition. He also enjoyed traveling with his loved ones, creating memories that will last forever. As an avid sports fan, Albert never missed a chance to watch his favorite teams play. At home, he found joy in tending to his yard and garden, always ensuring they were beautifully maintained. Albert’s faith was a cornerstone of his life, and throughout his courageous fight with leukemia, his trust in our Lord Jesus Christ never wavered. He loved his family unconditionally and embodied the teachings of 1 John 4:16: “Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” If you knew Albert, you knew that God lived in him, shining through his kindness and love for others. A devout member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Albert faithfully served as an usher for over 30 years, always greeting parishioners with a warm smile. He was also a member of the church’s Finance Committee. Beyond his church service, Albert was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the American Legion Post 28. Albert is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Martha Cruz; his daughter, Angelica Cruz-Chavez and her wife Lizeth; his daughter, Erica Flores and her husband Wesley Jr.; his cherished granddaughter, Gabrielle Flores; and his sister, Guadalupe Garcia and her husband Raul. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Maria Salazar; sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law, numerous nieces, nephews and Godchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Sabina Cruz; Father-in-law Merenciano Salazar; brothers-in-law Gabino Perez Ortega Noriega Jr. and Marcy Salazar; sister-in-law, Maria Elvira Rodriquez. Pallbearers will be Wesley Flores Jr., Lizeth Cruz-Chavez, Bridgette Noriega, Gabino Noriega III, Orlando Vargas, and Gilbert Rivera. Honorary pallbearers include Pedro Salazar, Joe Chavez, Bennie Aranda, Wesley Flores Sr., and Luis Chavez Sr. The family extends their deepest gratitude to MD Anderson Cancer Center and Hospice of the Valley Lund Home in Gilbert, AZ, and Dr. Reynaldo Martinez in Roswell, NM, for their compassionate care. Albert’s tribute was lovingly written by his family, who will forever cherish his memory, the profound love he gave them, and his unwavering faith.

Albert Cruz

November 1, 1954 - September 27, 2024