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Roy Santa Cruz Jr.
Roy Santa Cruz Jr. passed away Feb. 15, 2013 at Banner Thunderbird in Glendale, Arizona.
Roy was born in Globe March 23, 1925. He enjoyed a happy successful life in Superior where he went to school and worked as a copper miner.
He served with honor in the Navy during World War II and in the Army during the Korean War. Stories were retold of his adventures and acts of heroism during these years. He would often share the fact that he surged through five invasions, having seen enough decimation that his children or grandchildren should never have go through.
During his career he represented the United Steel Workers of America as the Sub-District Director for the Western U.S. To be around Roy was to be infused with his passion for workers rights and the responsibility of political duty.
He leaves his wife Francis Santa Cruz of 35 years. He bids farewell to his loving children, Ronald Gomez, Michael Roy Santa Cruz, Gilbert Steven Santa Cruz, Therese Santa Cruz, Camille Santa Cruz, Anthony Santa Cruz and Robin Stowe; stepchildren, Arthur Livario, Carla Stone, and Adrienne Valdez; sisters, Margaret Santa Cruz of Las Vegas, NV, and Anna Tiscareno of San Clemente, CA; 20 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces and nephews also survive Roy, as well as a step-grandson who is serving in the US Military in Afghanistan.
He shared not only his presence, but his life experiences, personal convictions and hopes for a better world we live in. His passions for these were obvious to anyone who spent time with him. We cannot forget to mention his most loved companions, for over 15 years, his dogs, Ricky, Rocky and Rosie; his four-legged children.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Esperanza Santa Cruz; sister, Avelia Rubio; brothers, Charles and Robert; and his first wife, Jessie Santa Cruz.
Services for Mr. Santa Cruz will be held Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Superior beginning with visitation from 9-10 a.m. The Rosary will be at 11 a.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Superior. A celebration of Roy’s life will be held after the interment at Los Hermanos Hall in Superior.
Arrangements were entrusted to Superior Funeral Home. An online guestbook may be signed at www.SuperiorFuneral.com.
March 23, 1925 – February 15, 2013
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