Jose C. Cruz, age 95 of Frederick, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2014 at the Martinsburg Veterans Community Living Center. Born on March 20, 1919 in Agana Heights, Guam, he was the son of Jose and Carmen Cruz. He was preceded in death by his wife Maria C. Cruz who passed away in 1968. Jose served in the U.S. Navy for 26 years, was a dedicated Veteran. During World War II he was in Normandy, and Saipan serving on various ships and destroyers. Following his time in the military he was employed in civil service at Fort Wadsworth Staten Island New York. He was a lifetime member of Fleet Reserve Association, Branch 182. Mr. Cruz is survived by his 7 children, Joe, John, Jim, Carmen, Tom and Annette Cruz and Tina Perez, 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Jose always kept a positive outlook, loved being surrounded by his family, and was an avid baseball fan. "You lived life to the fullest, and you will always be in our hearts. "Jose's family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Martinsburg, West Virginia Community Living Center for their care." A memorial mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 12 noon at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 115 W. 2nd St., Frederick. Father Hector Meteus will officiate. The burial of cremains will be private in the Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mr. Cruz's name to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or the Disabled American Veterans, National HQ, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076.
