Leandro Cruz

Leandro I. Cruz, 88, passed away peacefully at home on April 12, 2024, with his loving family by his side. He was a beloved husband, father, son, grandfather, great grandfather, sibling, uncle, and friend. Leandro was a hardworking tireless dedicated family man who insisted on a strong education, honesty, integrity and respect from his children. He was born on May 21, 1935 in the Holman, NM. After high school he joined the Army and was stationed in Alaska where he excelled in his duties and was right at home in the mountainous terrain similar to that of his childhood.

Upon returning, he married his high school sweetheart, Judy Lovato on April 23, 1960. Their little family consists of a daughter, Loretta Cruz-Salazar and a son, Eric W. Cruz. In 1970 the family moved to Santa Fe, NM and Leandro took a job with the New Mexico Correctional Penitentiary as head plumber. Later he advanced to the head of the mechanical department. Often times, he was called to other state institutions to use his expertise in  resolving issues that could not be corrected by local staff.  In 1987 he retired and started his second career. Leandro started the company of Cruz Crews Construction and held numerous New Mexico construction licenses. He built many custom homes throughout the state, one of which the family still resides in.

His pleasure was to be tinkering, modifying or fixing something around the house or for others. There was nothing Leandro couldn’t fix. Many times he would help the elderly or less fortunate in his community for free and actively participated in Habitat for Humanity.

A trip to the family mountain was always a chance to walk and talk about his family history and as a nonjudgmental person his motto was “live and let live”.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Cruz, daughter Loretta Cruz-Salazar, son Eric Cruz, grandchildren: Jonathon Roybal, Joseph Roybal, Desiree Bustamantes, Eric I. Cruz, Stephanie Cruz-Rodarte (Alec) and great-grandson, Santiago Rodarte.

The family would like to thank Santa Fe Care for exceptional rehab services during his short stay and Ambercare Hospice for their enduring support, impeccable kindness, compassion and caring.

The services to honor and celebrate Leandro’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 starting with a rosary at Santa Maria de La Paz church, 11 College Ave., at 9:30am. Mass will be at 10am followed by interment at the National Cemetery, 501 N Guadalupe St., at 12:30pm. A reception will follow at Pecos Trail Café, 2239 Old Pecos Trail.

Please visit riverafamilyfuneralhome.com for updates or changes .