Manuel Cruz

Manuel "Manny" Cruz Jr. has fulfilled his earthly obligations and has gone to be with the Lord and to be reunited with all his loved ones who have gone before him for all eternity. Manny was born in Phoenix Arizona on June 29th, 1942, he was 83 years old at his death. He was born to Manuel & Celia Cruz and had three sisters, Mary, Irene "Renie", and Rita. The family eventually moved to San Diego California where Manny graduated high school and enlisted in the United States Air Force as an Aircraft Propeller Repairman in July of 1960.The majority of his enlistment was spent overseas at Rhein-Main Air Base in Germany with the 7406 Support Squadron, where he would meet lifelong friends that would eventually reunite on a regular basis later on in life.
Manny, a perpetually shy young man, likely gained the confidence and skills to overcome his anxieties from his Military enlistment and would go on to forge a valiant path forward in life and set the stage for his children to be successful, confident, and contributing members of society. Manny is survived by two children, Cynthia "Cindy" (Cruz) Legg and Matthew Cruz. Cindy is Mother to Andy Legg, Justin Legg, Jaime Legg, & Derik Legg. Matthew is Father to Michael Cruz and Elizabeth "Lizzie" Cruz. Manny loved his children and grandchildren dearly and would devote his thoughts, conversations, deeds, and prayers to them for the remainder of his life.
Manny was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force in March of 1964. He enrolled at San Diego State University shortly after and graduated with a Bachelor's of Art degree in Journalism. His distinguished career in San Diego journalism began in the mid-1960s at the Daily Californian in El Cajon, where he started as a reporter, eventually moving up to copy editor and taking on the responsibility of mentoring young college interns. He then spent eleven years at the Daily Transcript, serving as wire editor and special sections editor.
After leaving the Daily Transcript, he became the editor of the Star-News, a weekly paper in Chula Vista, where he wrote a regular column and managed reporters, freelance writers, and photographers. He later took on the role of editor at Antiques & Collectables, a newsmagazine in El Cajon.
In 2004, he joined San Diego Metropolitan Magazine, now known as SD METRO Magazine, and became the magazine's managing editor in 2009; a position he held until retiring earlier this year. Manny loved the news business. He often said he never could have imagined doing anything else. He could be a demanding editor, and the publications he worked for were better because of it. His contributions to the magazine were many. "A good friend has passed," said Bob and Rebeca Page.
In 2019, Manny accepted an invitation from his son Matthew to leave San Diego with his dog, Ginger, and set out for Kimball, Michigan. Manny lived a peaceful existence in Kimball and often marveled at the natural beauty the area has to offer. He was never fond of the cold winters, but came to appreciate the changing seasons in contrast to year-round California sunshine. He was an avid football and baseball fan and would often use sports to break the ice in conversation. His favorite teams were the San Diego Padres and the San Diego Chargers. After moving to Michigan, he became enamored with the Detroit Lions and rooted for them on every game day. He enjoyed walking the wooded path to his retired neighbor's house to watch football games and have lively political discussions with his good friend Mr. Bruce Deppner. Manny's dog, Ginger, eventually passed away, but soon after, a new dog named Miles, came into his life. Miles kept him company every hour of the day until the end.
We're forever grateful and thankful to SD METRO Magazine in San Diego California for publishing such kind words for Manny. Thank you to Miranda Fleming who always found time to tend to Manny's needs no matter how busy her schedule. Thanks, and appreciation also to the Bluewater Hospice Home in Marysville, Michigan for their generosity, caring, and loving treatment. The staff there were wonderful and took fantastic care of Dad in his final days.
Dad, we love you and miss you, and you'll be in our hearts, prayers, and thoughts forever.
There are no services scheduled at this time.
Jowett Funeral Home is privileged to serve the Cruz Family.