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Manuel Cruz Obituary
Manuel Cruz III (Manny) passed away on May 12, 2014, after battling lung cancer since September of 2013. He was born on March 22, 1966 in Mesa, Arizona and graduated from Carl Hayden High School in 1984. He went on to Glendale Community College and studied business for two years, but his real passion was cooking. Mr. Cruz became an accomplished chef and was employed by Avanti's in Scottsdale in the late 1980s as a sous chef. He and his best friend owned and operated and Italian restaurant in the early 1990s in Phoenix. In 1997, Manny decided to pursue another career and moved to Columbus, Ohio, to study explosives sciences at Austin Powder Blasting Academy. He completed his schooling and moved to Connecticut where he was employed as an explosives engineer. He eventually moved back to Phoenix and continued his work as an explosives engineer. In 2009, Manny started a non-profit organization called Abandoned Mine Safety to close abandoned mines after reading about a tragic accident in northern Arizona. Manny ran for State Mine Inspector in 2010 and Mayor of Glendale in 2012. He served as Chair of LD29 and a state representative for the Arizona Democratic Party, and was also honored to be chosen as a delegate to the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Manny is survived by his mother, Sally Orozco; father and stepmother, Manuel and Merna Cruz; siblings, Andrew Cruz, Anna (Cruz) Tutwiler, Brenda Cruz, and Sara Cruz; his best friend of many years, Tony Harris, aka "his brother from another mother"; his wife Valerie; daughters, Kymberly Cruz and Jessica Cruz; stepchildren, Chris (Deidra) Impiccini, Jon Kerwick, Molly Kerwick; nieces, Erica, Alysia, Sally, Emily, and Frida; nephews, Alex, Marcus, and Steven; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Services will be held on Friday, May 16, 2014, at Greenwood Memory Lawn Serenity Chapel, 719 North 27th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ. 85009 at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of the Valley.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Manuel Cruz
Bryan and Mary Adams
June 7, 2014
We are so very sorry to learn of Manny's passing. He is now in the arms of the Angels.
Marcia Fouts
May 29, 2014
May God give all the family comfort and peace during this transition.
May 19, 2014
Francine and I met Manny when he was running for Mayor of Glendale. He was a very gracious and kind man and as we met his mother, wife and family it became very evident that he was also a great son. husband and father. His presence in the community will be badly missed. Our deepest condolences to all his family and friends.
Carolyn Warner
May 19, 2014
To the Family of Manny Cruz - My heart is broken for your great loss. I pray that the memories of a great, good man will sustain and strengthen you. With sympathy
olivia Mcdonald
May 17, 2014
You were a good man i loved working on your campaign.
Angie Hernandez-Garcia
May 16, 2014
My condolences and prayers to the family...may God give you the comfort and strength you need to continue. .he will truly be missed by many. .
Stefany Scovell
May 16, 2014
Manuel, you will be missed and loved forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. God bless and Godspeed.
Sheila Hobbs-Klimek
May 16, 2014
Val, trying to figure the right words to say to you has been hard; but then again, you and I keep it real and say it like it is. Here goes….. remember what we talked about in January when we visited. He is no longer in pain, and life can move forward. He was quiet and gentle; but very passionate about the things he believed and loved. It was incredible watching you two over the years. I truly love you girlfriend and I wish I could be there to give you another huge hug. Thank you for bringing Manny into our lives. We were indeed blessed to have known him.
Piper & Steve McMurry
May 16, 2014
Our prayers are with the Cruz family. We will always remember Manny for his commitment to the safety of all Arizonans by working to close abandoned mines. Such an exceptional community leader. Thank you for sharing him with us. Piper & Steve McMurry
Ronney Kendall
May 16, 2014
Dear Cancer!
You friggin suck! You take people away from people who love them, and that is not fair!
I was blessed with a beautiful daughter thank you Manny! She sure is pretty huh?
I'm sorry this happened to you, and our daughter, and Rocky, and Valerie, and everyone else who knew you. You are in a better place, it's the ones left behind who will never know the answer to "why did this have to happen to you"? Even though no answer to that "why" would ever be good enough.
RIP Manny, your legacy will live on through your beautiful daughters, and step children!
Janice Blackmon
May 16, 2014
Val I pray that God wrap his arms around you and your family during this most difficult time. Manny was a wonderful man, husband and father. He will certainly be missed. My sympathies to you.
Domenica Gentry
May 15, 2014
Sarah and family,
So sorry about the passing of a wonderful son, father, brother, uncle and friend to many. I did not know Manny personally, but Sarah spoke fondly of her older brother. My thoughts are with you during this time.
olivia Mcdonald
May 15, 2014
So sorry for your loss of a great man.
Cynthia McCoy
May 15, 2014
Val, his light shines on and his love lives; he is nearer now than ever. Sending you and your family much love and prayers for peace....
Chase Williams
May 15, 2014
Arizona lost one of her great fighters with Manny's passing. Rest in peace, my friend.
Audra Antone
May 15, 2014
You will be missed "Thank You" for encouraging words never to give up on our endeavors in this life. I will pray for your Journey home..Rest in Paradise Mr. Manny Cruz
John and Melissa Galka
May 15, 2014
Rest in the arms of Love.
Melissa and John Galka
May 15, 2014
A new journey has begun. Enjoy the peace in the arms of Love. Love and Blessings
Thomas N. Chapman
May 14, 2014
The world, indeed Arizona is a much better place because of Manny's life with us. His spirit will be urging us on in all of the quality of life issues he so passionately worked for. May his memory be eternal! Chaplain Thomas N. Chapman
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