Alfonso "Poncho" Cruz, 26 of Woodlake, California passed away on Monday, June 3, 2013 in Tulare, California.
Poncho was born in Michoacán, Mexico on February 11, 1987 to Samuel and Estella Cruz. His parents moved to Woodlake, California when Poncho was five years old. He attended Woodlake Schools, graduating with the Woodlake Tiger Class of 2005. At Woodlake High, Poncho played soccer and football. He was a member of the 2004 Valley Championship Soccer Team. His passion for soccer earned him numerous awards over the years. He broke the single season scoring record in 2005, scoring 26 goals, he was named 2004 East Sequoia Offensive Player of the Year, 2005 East Sequoia Most Valuable Player, 2005 All-County team and was named to the Fresno Bee All Area Team. After graduating, Poncho accepted a partial scholarship to play soccer at CSU-Stanislaus. He played and studied there for two years. Upon returning home to Woodlake, Poncho continued playing and began volunteer coaching and helping with soccer. He was a huge supporter of Tiger sports, he especially enjoyed watching his nephews and future brother-in-law Nathan play football. In 2012 he became a member of the Woodlake Lion's Club.
Poncho, like many of the men in his family, was a welder, currently proudly employed by Bradford Steel, Inc. He worked in Livermore while attending CSU-Stanislaus, Woodlake and in various towns throughout Tulare County. He was no stranger to hard work and enjoyed being able to provide for his family.
Family was very important to him. He enjoyed gatherings with family and friends. Poncho was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand to his family and friends. Poncho's proudest moment came on March 28, 2011 the day he became a father to Elijah. Whenever he spoke about his "Papas" his face would light up. In his short life, being a father was his greatest accomplishment. He was also anxiously waiting to meet his second son and begin building his soccer team.
Although gone from this earth, Poncho has left a legacy that will live on forever. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Poncho leaves to cherish his memory, his fiancé, Desiree Sahagun and their son, Elijah Cruz, both of Woodlake and their son, Gabriel Cruz who arrived on Wednesday, June 5, 2013; his parents, Samuel and Estella Cruz of Woodlake; two brothers, Fernando and wife, Ariana Cruz and Gustavo Cruz ; one sister, Bernadita Cruz, all of Woodlake; nephews, Matthew Cruz, Andrew Cruz and Yudixie Cruz, all of Woodlake and a host of extended family and many, many friends.
Visitation will be held at Miller Memorial Chapel, 134 N. Cypress in Woodlake on Monday, June 10, 2013 from 3 – 5:30 p.m. with Recitation of Rosary beginning at 6 p.m. at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at 9 a.m. at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church of Woodlake. Burial will be at Woodlake Cemetery.
Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millermemorialchapel.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 134 N. Cypress, Woodlake, CA 93286 (559) 732-8371.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 1, 2014
Karina Robles
R.I.P Tio Poncho you will forever be in our hearts.
June 13, 2013
Aimee Day
Such a great person. I remember poncho and I in Mrs. Thompsons class always sharing hot cheetos. Even though years have gone by I still remember those days like yesterday. RIP my dear friend. May you watch over your beautiful family.
June 12, 2013
Tommy Mendez
In the short amount of time we were getting to know you, you were a very awesome person. Glad we got to meet you. Prayers will always be done for Desiree, Elijah, and baby Gabriel..Rest in Peace Bro!
June 12, 2013
alex martinez
I will always love you primo.....its insane to see u gone.....you are never forgotten primo........I
All of our families and friends came together to see baby Gabriel as you wanted.......primo save me a place in heaven......forever loved and never forgotten
June 11, 2013
Jesse and Juana Campos
Poncho we will miss you so much and will always remember you when we looks at your precious boys.
June 11, 2013
Melissa Abila
June 11, 2013
Carmen
My condolences go to all of Poncho's Family. May God help you through.
June 11, 2013
sarah
June 10, 2013
Harold and Kerrie Liles
June 10, 2013
Cathey Elizaldi
Our sincerest condolences & prayers to all of Poncho Cruz's family.
Our hearts go out to each of you. Cathey, Cheyenne & Sierra Elizaldi, KiAnna & Elijah Cunningham – Woodlake, CA -
June 9, 2013
Becky Sahagun
We were blessed to have such a beautiful addition to our family.You will be missed Poncho!
June 9, 2013
Tony & Andrea Lee
My husband and I want to share our condolences with Alfonso's family. We spent many hours together in Friday Night Live. Looking at the photos and reflecting on his life brought back great memories. He truly touched our hearts and will be missed.
June 8, 2013
Melissa Abila
<3
June 8, 2013
Melissa Abila
I have many memories and all where great, living in the same apartments hanging out with u outside talking and just having a great time. The world truly did lose a great person, as we got older we where not as close but you where always a friend. You are missed and loved by many.... Im glad to have met someone like u. God bless your family....
June 8, 2013
Miss Thelma, I am so sorry. Please know that I am praying for your family. Laine Read
June 8, 2013
Santos Magana
Poncho was an awesome person to be around always made one smile, my condolences to the cruz family, I know your in a btter place.
June 7, 2013
Mike • August • Jazz • G~ Landscape
God will take care of you in heaven & your family here on earth . Rest in peace, God bless you !
June 7, 2013
Your in the most beautiful place ever. We will miss you so much. You were a great guy to be around and you have touched so many lives that you will never be forgotten.
miss you
Poncho...Rosann
June 7, 2013
He was an all around great person! Our condolences to his wife n boys and to the Cruz Family. Prayers to all of you. Love Gilberto, Patricia, n kids Rodriguez
June 7, 2013
SUSANA RIOS
DESCANSA EN PAZ PONCHO TE BAMOS A ESTRANAR.Y DESDE AYA EN EL PARAISO DONDE ANDAS CON TUS ABUELITAS MANDENLE EL CONSUELO A TU MAMA,PAPA,HERMANOS,PRIMOS,SOBRINOS Y TIOS.
June 7, 2013
geovanna delgado
Such a happy person always smiling. My most sincere condolences to his family and friends, may god give them strength to get by these hard times. Ive always been told that a persons never dies because their spirit lives forever. May you rest in peace poncho
June 7, 2013
carlos Acosta
June 7, 2013
Benjamin Gonzalez
My greatest condolences go out to poncho cruz family and friends may he rest in peace and watch over us all.......
June 7, 2013
Gomez Family
Our sympathies to both the Sahagun and Cruz families during this time. He was an outstanding young man whose character will live on in his two young boys.
June 7, 2013
Annabelle Bautista
I remember the first day you arrived at CSU Stanislaus. So confused and overwhelmed about going to college. You and Rey always made me laugh. It's been years since I last saw you but, know I thought of you often because you always were getting into something. We have lost a man with such a happy spirit. You will rest in peace looking over all of your loved ones. God bless you and your familia.
June 7, 2013
Patricia & Ramon Maldonado
Que Dios te bendiga y la Virgen te ampare con su luz.
Descansa en paz Poncho
June 7, 2013
Danika Chavez Maldonado
RIP. May GOD watch over your family and give them peace during this time...
June 7, 2013
Patricia Maldonado
Mijo, you will be greatly missed,.. But know that even though its hard to accept at the moment, we are at peace knowing you are that special angel that god needed.. You willbe embraced by all of our angels who left before you and await your arrival.. My mom especially will be waiting for her guero.. Rest in peace poncho, n know that you will always be remembered, missed,.& loved..
Love, your tia Patty Palomo & Family
June 7, 2013
Steve Tindle
our deepest condolences and prayers going out to the Cruz family, Poncho was a fine young man and will be missed by many.
The Tindle Family
June 7, 2013
Vero & boys Campos
We will miss u dearly poncho so sorry for ur families loss heaven has received a great wonderfull angle RIP frend love and miss u ....
June 7, 2013
Adalberto Iniguez
R.I.P. Brother
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