03/15/1956 ~ 08/07/2020
Born in Nogales, AZ on March 15, 1956. He began his story as the oldest son born to George and Delia Santa Cruz, and he quickly established himself as someone who was truly unique.
As he grew up, he found his passion for being outdoors whether it was hunting, fishing, camping or simply sitting outside listening to music.
He excelled in everything he did, and found ways to perfect anything he learned along the way. He was charismatic, the light that entered the room and was able to make a friend in anyone. As a result, he found his soulmate, just one block away from his childhood home.
Their love story was picture perfect – climbing atop the roof of his home, to wave and smile at the love of his life and continuing to make sure she always knew he was there even as a young boy.
He attended High School at Carl Hayden, where his reputation still lives, as he set records running Track and Field that have yet to be broken. After he graduated, he married his soulmate – together they created a family that would soon learn all of the many things he had to share from his life experiences. He then found his career at Salt River Project where he worked for 36 honorable years as a meter reader/meter tech.
He set the example of what is to be a respectable and dedicated man in everything and every aspect of life. He gave every ounce of knowledge, every piece of wisdom and strength to his daughters. He shared his soul, heart, his love, his music, his determination, his pride, his joy for life and in doing so he set off 4 strong daughters into the world.
Becoming a grandfather to 13 grandchildren and 2 who have yet to arrive, he immediately transitioned into a hero for a new generation of hearts to grow from his love.
There are no words to properly express, the love and adoration we have for him. We are each forever changed, by both knowing him, and by feeling the pain of losing him. There is not a second, minute, hour, or day that will pass, in which we will not miss, love, and remember him. Our world is less, one incredible person without him.
He was preceded in death by his brother David Santa Cruz. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Santa Cruz – and his 4 daughters: Elizabeth Santa Cruz (Michael Rodriguez), Stephanie Santa Cruz (David Lopez), Valerie Santa Cruz, and Melissa Santa Cruz. His parents George and Delia Santa Cruz, Sister Cecila Lewin (Greg), Ernest Santa Cruz (Annette), and Steve Santa Cruz.
Visitation and Rosary will be held on Monday, August 17, 2020 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix from 3:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 13720 W. Thomas Rd., Avondale, at 10:00 A.M., with Burial following at Holy Cross Cemetery, 9925 W. Thomas Rd., Avondale at 11:30 AM. A celebration of life will follow services at The Estrella Vista Reception Center, 1471 N. Eliseo C. Felix Junior Way, Avondale AZ 85323 to be held from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Condolences and Hugs from Home may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Jose Saldaña
I’m deeply sorry for the loss on your family. I knew of George through the stories his daughter told me about him raising her. She exemplifies his teachings and continues to live on in the knowledge and love he gave to his family. I am sure he left proud of his legacy.
My deepest condolences to the entire Santa Cruz family.
ALEX E DURAZO
Georgie, as our family lovingly called him, was a unique and loving person. He did bring smiles and laughter everywhere he went. He will truly be missed, but his presence will live on through the generations that follow. We love you Georgie, rest in peace. Our deepest and sincere condolences to the family. You will be in our prayers that the pain be lessened. Special prayers for my loving Tia. Love, Pelon and Cindy
Dollie Medina
Ernie, I’m saddened to hear of the loss of your brother George! My deepest condolences to you and your family! May he rest in paradise! Your friend, Dollie Medina
Emily L. Terrazas
Steve & Ruby..
So Sad to hear about Your
Brother George..
Our Deepest Condolences … Know that You are in Our Thoughts & Prayers …
May George Forever Rest in Peace..⚘And God continue to Comfort The Entire SantaCruz Family.
Anna Molina GONZALEZ
Linda I am so sorry that you have to say Goid bye for now to the Live if your Life. Growing up I witnessed the on top of the roof. Waving from George. When George went and left you a bottle of Coke at the front door. And when we opened it the glass was all over. My childhood friends. You and your daughters are in my heart and prayers. IDA. Mr and Mrs Santa Cruz. Please know I’m hugging you right now.
Rozanne Ramirez
With deepest sympathy sending our condolences and prayers to entire family .
Rozanne and Ben.
John Coffey
I worked with George many years,he was a wonderful man. If he doesn’t make it to the good place, I wouldn’t want to be there.
Armand Richard Urias
My condolences to Linda and the Santa Cruz family we were True Falcons. Lots of fun but he was truly in love and dedicated to his girlfriend. Linda. He was a great man.
JoAnne DeAnda
My sincere condolences to the Santa Cruz family. I went to Carl Hayden with Linda and George. They were the cutest couple in the whole school. May God bless you all and help you heal. RIP George.
Diana Guebara
Steve and Ernie – You may or may not remember me. You lived a few houses down from us on 40th Avenue when we were just kids. Sending you condolences on behalf of the Hernandez family. Your brother was a kind person.
Linda Yates
Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family. I knew George in high school and your right, he lit up a room with those beautiful eyes.
Rip, you will be missed
Linda Perez Ramirez Sanchez Yates