Ricardo Guevara Cruz

Ricardo G. Cruz, 68, of Pasadena, California left us, surrounded by his immediate family on April 16, 2023, after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Marikina City, Philippines, to Nicanor Sr. and Faustina Cruz on July 12, 1954.    

Early in life, Ricardo had an incredibly challenging childhood and teenage life, but this would go on to shape his life as an adult and would inspire him to be a dedicated and loving husband and father.  Ricardo met Rosario in high school. They have been together for 53 years. Rosario was Ricardo’s rock; the love of his life and they perfectly complemented each other. They lived in Marikina City, Philippines and later moved to the United States 5yrs ago.    

Ricardo had many professions throughout his life. He worked as a Firefighter in the Bureau of Fire Protection in Marikina City, owned, and operated a Shoe manufacturing business but the most meaningful of all, he dedicated his time as a member of the Knights of Columbus and as a Lay Minister serving the San Antonio De Padua Parish in Calumpang, Marikina City.   He was preceded in death by his father, Nicanor Sr., his mother Faustina, his brother Nicanor Jr., as well as his father-in-law Cornelio Cruz. He is survived by his wife, Rosario C. Cruz; his daughter Rhea Cruz-Magpantay, his son Randy C. Cruz, his son in law, Lloyd D. Magpantay, and his daughter in law, Ann Aquino-Cruz who are all residing in Pasadena, California. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Salome Cruz, his four sisters, Agnes Cruz Castor, Rosario Cruz Abello, Violeta Cruz Paz and Teresa Cruz Nishikawa. His memory lives on with his extended family and friends. Often, he said his greatest blessing was being a grandfather to his four grandchildren. He found hope in the future with grandchildren Isaac, Antonio Miguel, Antonia Marie, and Andres Mateo. They brought him so much love, joy, and fulfillment. He lived vicariously through his grandchildren by taking them to school, parks, 711 and McDonald’s. He fought the hardest battle with cancer for them.  

The family wishes to send a special thank you to everyone who extended their condolences, and also to all his Doctors, Nurses and Staff at Huntington Hospital, USC Keck Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, The Oncology Institute, Regal Medical Group and Pacific Sun Hospice for their compassionate care.  

His family will miss his big presence in their lives but rejoices knowing he is in peace and resting as the good and faithful servant he was.  

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” - 2 Timothy 4:7