Armando Cruz

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:7

Armando Cruz, born August 15, 1940, in Laredo, Texas, was called home to be with his Lord and Saviour, on November 1, 2016.

Armando attended St. Joseph’s Academy since the third grade, graduating in 1959.  While in high school, Armando made a name for himself as an excellent football player, starting with his first touchdown as a freshman and becoming a four year letterman.

His greatest accomplishment as a Fullback in his senior year was being part of the Undefeated 1958 St. Joseph’s Academy Antlers District Champs Team, which was called “The Perfect Season.”

In the game with the Victoria Eagles, Armando led St. Joe’s offense with five touchdowns that night.

The Antlers captured their first South Texas Catholic Interscholastic League championship by ending their 10 game regular season, undefeated, and securing St. Joe’s place in the annals of local sports history.

He attended Laredo Junior College and later graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Science and Physical Education in 1963.

He taught and coached in both the Laredo and United Independent School Districts for several years.  He also became an assistant coach under Reece Hunter, returning to his old alma mater at St. Joseph’s Academy.

Later on in 1968, he became a stockbroker working with Ling and Company in Dallas, TX, for over three years.

In 1972, Armando began working for the Texas State Board of Insurance in Austin, TX, as an insurance investigator and examiner, traveling all over the state, for a period of ten years.

Afterwards, Armando became involved in the Oil and Gas Industry, becoming a Landman until his retirement.

Armando was an avid outdoor sportsman. Fishing and Hunting were his hobbies, but his passion for hunting made him one of the best deer hunters in South Texas.  He enjoyed going on hunting trips to Colorado, Wyoming and Mexico.

He also met and made many friends from all over the states when he formed the Chaparral White Wing Hunting Group, and hosted many hunts for several years.

Armando loved taking part in the local Chili and Menudo Cook-Offs, often winning several championships. He was well-known for his cooking skills and loved to entertain friends in his home.

However, on top of all this, Armando’s greatest passion and the pride and joy of his life, was his love for his family, who will miss him terribly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fernando Cruz Jr. and Petra Oliveros Cruz.

Armando is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years of marriage, and who was also his high school sweetheart, Aurora Dominguez Cruz, his three daughters: Judi Cruz Garcia (Gabriel) Melissa Cruz Gomez (Miguel) Denise Cruz Quiroga (Fernando) and his adored grandsons, Fernie, Armando, and Alejandro Quiroga, Mauricio Gomez and his granddaughter, Lauren Gomez.

His grandchildren brought him joy beyond measure and he loved to participate in all their school activities and games. They were his “pride and joy.”

Also surviving him are his siblings: Fernando Cruz III (Sylvia) Rosa Cruz, Martin Cruz (MaryElva) Angela Gomez (Alberto) Laura Cisneros, brothers-in-law: Arturo I. Dominguez and Ernesto A. (Rita)Dominguez, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Armando was an individual who impacted the lives of many people and left a legacy of love and unforgettable memories among his friends and family.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Ralph Nimchan and Dr. Reynaldo Godines for the care they provided to Armando for so many years. Also a special thanks to Superior Nursing Home Health Agency for their excellent care and attention given to him..

Funeral service will be held Saturday, November 5, 2016, at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services.  Visitation will be from 9:00am to 11:00am.

A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 11:00am at the funeral home chapel. Pastor Greg Liles, from Laredo First Assembly of God Church, will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers are: Gabriel Garcia, Miguel Gomez, Fernando Quiroga, Fernie Quiroga, Armando Quiroga, Alejandro Quiroga, Mauricio Gomez, Ralph Garcia and Eduardo Hernandez.  Honorary pallbearers are: Rolando Raymond, Ernesto A. Dominguez, Pete Gallegos Sr. and Roberto Salinas.

Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr. Laredo, Texas (956)723-3611.  You may leave condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com