Cruz Tatro-Mendoza

Cruz Tatro-Mendoza, Ret. CPD. Beloved husband of Mary Ellen Tatro-Mendoza for 45 years and companion for 48. Cherished father of Ellen Tatro-Mendoza. Devoted and loving son-in-law of Douglas Joseph and Mary Irene (Daker) Tatro. A passionate cryophile of the Wire Fox Terrier breed, Cruz was the Devoted Dad to Poppie, named after his father-in-law, Doug, whom Cruz considered his real father. Brother-in-law of Suzanne (James) Tatro Neaylon. Brother the late Manuel Mendoza, Henrietta Rodriguez and Angelita Tijerina and their many nieces and nephews. Cruz served on the Chicago Police Department for 25 years, assigned to the Trouble Buildings Unit and oversaw the DGHES – Drug, Gang, & Housing Enforcement for Area One. Cruz was a servant to the Shrine of Sacred Heart Mission Church,11652 S. Church St., Chicago, IL 60643, and as a member of the advisory board, he quietly and steadfastly cared for all aspects of the historic Church's infrastructure and daily needs, where his in-laws and wife were and are now the 4th generation of French Canadian immigrants who helped to erect the Church in the early 1900's. Cruz's greatest happiness was living for Mary Ellen, Ellen, and his greatest joy was just being with them, each and every moment of his life. He gained great joy from working on and caring for their historic home in Beverly. An avid cyclist, he loved the exhilarating joy of bike riding. A Staunch Supporter of the Democratic Party, he cared deeply for his neighborhood. Visitation Friday, November 14, 2025 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., followed by Mass at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart Mission Church at 10:30 a.m. 11652 South Church Street, Chicago, Illinois 60643. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sacred Heart Mission Church. Arrangements entrusted to Curley Funeral Home, Chicago Ridge. For Funeral info: 708-422-2700 or www.curleyfuneralhome.com.