Joseph Anthony Cruz

Joseph Anthony Cruz, 89, of Greencastle, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016.

Joe was born on March 16, 1926 in Brownsville, Texas, to Carlos Cruz and Soledad Cortez Cruz.

He served his country in the U.S. Navy, and retired from Brinks.

Joe was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Ellen Catherine Cruz; and six siblings.

Surviving are his wife, Patricia Ann Cruz, whom he married on Oct. 31, 2009; five daughters, Ellen Saltz and husband Jack of Georgia, Sherry Kroll and husband Ben of Hillside, Ill., Shirley Wright and husband David of Crawfordsville, Janet Mezera and husband Vince of Florida; and Patty Cruz of Lyons, Ill.; a son, Jim Cruz and wife Terri of Lyons, Ill.; 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 18 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church with Father John Hollowell officiating.

Interment with honors will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, Jan. 17 from 2-6 p.m. at Bittles and Hurt Funeral Home, Greencastle, with a Rosary service at 4 p.m.

Memorials in Joe's name may be directed to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 202 E. Washington St., Greencastle, IN 46135.

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.BittlesandHurt.com.