Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Vidal Santacruz Obituary
Born: May 27, 1985
Died: June 7, 2025 in Harvard, IL
Vidal Antonio "Tony" Santacruz, age 40, passed away on June 7, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois. Born on May 27, 1985, in Concepción, Paraguay, Vidal's life was a vibrant journey marked by love, learning, and laughter.
Leaving Paraguay at an early age in pursuit of education and opportunity, Vidal embraced his new life with determination and joy. He eventually settled in Harvard, Illinois, where he attended Roosevelt University in Chicago. He graduated in 2015 with a degree in Chemistry and Biology.
For the past five years, Vidal served as an educator at Harvard Community School District 50's high school. There, he brought science to life for his students through the Dual Language Program.
Vidal's personal life was equally rich and full. He is survived by his beloved husband Mike; Mike's mother Marjorie; Mike's children Leighanna, Henry, and Sydney; as well as Mike's step-mother Nancy along with step-sisters, step-brother and their children.
Vidal was deeply cherished by his American family: "Dad - Bob" and Bob's husband James and family; sisters and nieces; a brother, and dear friends Ann Priester and Ruth Rowe.
He is remembered with love alongside his mother Celsa and closest sisters Blanca and Olga of Paraguay. Many treasured friends and relatives across the globe also mourn his passing.
Those who knew Vidal will remember him as a peaceful soul brimming with energy and happiness. His laugh-joyful and unmistakable-could light up any room and be heard across the globe.
May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him-and may the sound of his laughter continue to echo in our hearts forever. A Funeral Service will be held on June 28, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Mt. Auburn Cemetary 20501 E Brink St. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 19, 2025, from 05:00 PM to 09:00 PM at Rush Creek Distillery 1501 W Diggins St
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Vidal Santacruz
6 Entries
Victor Insfran
August 23, 2025
Mi hermanito Tony nos dejaste huérfano de tus sonrisas , extrañamos tus videollamadas , casi a tres meses de tu partida hermano y aún seguimos llorando mi esposa y mis hijos pero tú ya estás en un lugar mejor en dónde solo Dios te juzgará te amamos mi pequeño y querido hermano
Victor Insfran
August 20, 2025
Te extrañamos hermano que descanse en paz pronto nos volveremos a encontrar
Victor Insfran
August 20, 2025
Tan lejos te fuiste a quedar mi querido hermano
Olga
August 12, 2025
Descansa en paz, donde el tiempo no pesa y el alma encuentra su luz. Aquí, tu partida dejó silencio y tristeza pero también huellas imborrables. Tu vida fue más que presencia: fue enseñanza, ejemplo, fuerza y ternura. Dejaste un legado que no se borra, que vive en quienes te amamos y aprendimos de ti. El eco de tu historia sigue guiando pasos, aún cuando ya no estés. Porque hay almas que no mueren, solo se transforman en memoria eterna.
Student
August 12, 2025
I remember he let me and other students hang out in his classroom after school, we were calling on his white board and laughing as we drew random pictures. That day there was a tornado warning and without fail he made sure we gathered downstairs where it was safe. He is and will always be great staff member. His laugh will echo through the halls, never to be forgotten.
Linda Cork
June 27, 2025
Our sympathy to family and friends of Vidal. He could light up a room with his laughter and get everyone in a good mood. I was glad to welcome him into the family. I just wish he could have shared more time on the earth with all of us. Vidal won't be forgotten. Aunt Linda & Kyle
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Vidal Santacruz's name
Memorial Events
for Vidal Santacruz
How to support Vidal's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Vidal Santacruz's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
