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In Loving Memory of Pedro Cruz Jr.

 

Pedro Cruz Jr., lovingly known as Pete, was born on April 30, 1981, in the Gregory-Portland area with the assistance of midwife Petra Solis. He was the son of Minga (Francisco Madero Sr.) and Pedro Cruz Sr. Pete grew up in Odem, Texas, where he lived as a Baylor Boy.

 

Throughout his life, Pete was a hardworking man who was committed to bettering himself and helping others. He worked for many years in the automotive department at Walmart before becoming a behavior specialist. Eventually, Pete chose to further his education and pursue his interest in criminal justice.

 

His dedication to his education led him to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from Kaplan College in 2012. His academic achievements were also recognized through his election to Alpha Beta Kappa, the National Honor Society. From 2021 to 2025, he put his career on hold so that his siblings could continue working and providing for their families. During that time, he became a home dialysis technician to care for his dad, Francisco Madero Sr., until Dad received a transplant donated by his niece, Makaylah Garcia.

 

Pete was truly a highlight of his family. He had a joke for everything and everyone and could always find a way to bring laughter into the room. He carried himself with confidence, maintained a positive outlook, and showed compassion in his own special way. His personality was difficult to overlook and even harder to forget.

 

Pete especially loved fishing, hunting, and going to the shooting range with friends and family whenever he had the opportunity. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He looked forward to family gatherings and the opportunities they gave him to make everyone laugh, joke, visit, and simply be together with the people he loved.

 

Pete was preceded in death by his grandparents, aunts and uncles, and numerous cousins.

 

Pete is survived by his daughter, Destanie Cruz, and his grandchildren, Faith Hernandez, Lucah Hernandez, and Lylah Hernandez.

 

He is also survived by his siblings: Sebrina (Raul Gomez Jr.), Sara (Tomas Guerrero), Jo Ana Cruz (Juan Perales), Feliciano Cruz, and Francisco Madero Jr. (Rianna Alvarado).

 

He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews: Raul E. Gomez; Makaylah (Carlos Garcia); Sariah (Angel Preciado); Jaazaniah (Martin Ontiveros); Dynastie Cruz; Joshua Gomez Jr. (Madi Gomez); Feliciano Cruz Jr. II (Lilianna).

 

Pete's memory will also be cherished by his great-nieces and great-nephews:

 

Zechariah’Lee Salas, Anakin Garcia, Bryson Lee Gomez, Octavia Rosa-Lee Preciado, Maleiah Leigh Garcia, Feliciano Cruz III, Benjamin Martin Ontiveros, Aidan Matthew Gomez, Scarlet Luna Preciado, Andrew Gregory Ontiveros, and Michael Garcia.

 

Pete also leaves behind his godchild, Jason Doria Jr., along with Khloe and Atalye Lopez, who knew him as Uncle BULLDOG, as well as numerous extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

 

As a family, we truly believe that Pete placed his trust in God for eternity. We believe he shared a special and personal connection with God—a relationship that perhaps only Pete and God fully understood. We take comfort in believing that the One who knew Pete's heart better than any of us ever could now holds him in His care.

 

We will deeply miss Pete's humorous personality and the way there was never a dull moment when he was around. With his quirkiness and unmistakable sense of humor, he always found a way to bring a spark of joy into our lives. He could have you laughing from the moment you arrived at his side until the moment you reluctantly pulled yourself away from his presence.

 

There will be no more random phone calls with random jokes. No more picking a fight with Pete just to release some stress. No more hearing him call us by different names or teasing us with his short jokes. And perhaps hardest of all, no more hearing him say the simple words that meant so much:

 

“I love you.”

 

Those are the moments we will long for and the memories we will hold onto.

 

Pete's laughter, confidence, humor, quirkiness, and unmistakable presence will remain a part of the family gatherings he loved so much. His place among us can never truly be filled. But the laughter he gave us, the love he expressed in his own way, and the memories he left behind will continue to live within his family.

 

The Celebration of Life will take place at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home, located at 120 South McCall in Sinton, Texas, on October 17, 2026. Family will gather from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., friends will be welcomed from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and the Celebration of Life service will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Until we meet again, Pete, we love you.

 

Stay breezy.