Joseph E. Cruz, age 80, of Maryville, IL, born on September 9, 1944, in East St. Louis, IL, died on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at Stillwater Senior Living Center, Edwardsville, IL after a long illness.
Joseph was employed by American Steel in Granite City, IL, for 30 years. He was a member of Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Maryville, IL, Knights of Columbus Council 1712, Collinsville, IL, a previous member of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Collinsville, IL, member of dance club named “Music,” and United Steelworkers Local 1063 in Granite City, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fructoso and Soledad, nee Torres Cruz, Sr. and 16 brothers and sisters.
Joseph is survived by his wife, Judy L. Cruz, nee Conreaux; his son, Joey (Maria) Cruz of Glen Carbon, IL, Cheryl (Chris) Brauch of St. Louis, MO; his step-children, Christopher Gable, Christopher Hoffstot (Lori Lee Sebesta) and Amy (Tim) Robbins; grandchildren, Kerianna (Zane) Logan of Collinsville, IL, Giavanna Cruz of Glen Carbon, IL, and Devin Cruz of Glen Carbon, IL; step-grandchildren, Joshua Brauch, Christopher (Mackenzie) Davenport, Rocky Hoffstot, Lyla Hoffstot, Dustin (Annah-Lauren) Robbins, Tyler (Ashley) Robbins, Loren (Jacob) Scott, Noah (Angie) Robbins, Levi (Danielle) Robbins; great grandchildren, Evan, Hazel and Cyrus; and his brother Avelino “DeDe” (Gloria) Cruz. Joseph is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, mass intentions are preferred to Mother of Perpetual Help Church or to St. John’s Adult Care in Collinsville, IL.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 5, 2024, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL. A recitation of the rosary will be at 5 p.m., followed by a Divine Mercy Chaplet immediately after the rosary.
Family and Friends will meet at Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Maryville, IL for a 11 a.m. Mass on Monday, January 6, 2024, at with Fr. Rob Johnson officiating. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Fairview Heights, IL.
