David Cruz

Obituary for Dave Cruz (3/22/1936 -9/5/2026)

Dave (aka David) Cruz, age 90, of Loveland, Colorado, passed away peacefully on the 5th of September 2026.

Dave was born in Denver on March 22nd , 1936. In 1945, his family moved to California. While at Hayward High School, Dave was on the wrestling team, which won State his senior year. He learned machining at Hayward High and pursued the trade, becoming a talented machinist. In 1954, he graduated and began his 30-year marriage to Judy Shepler. David worked as a machinist for 43 years (1954 -1997), was Lead Foreman and a member of Teamsters Labor Union.

In 1987, Dave met Joan Messick Greene doing what they both loved, country western dancing. In 1988, Dave and Joan began their 38 year marriage, living many places together (Palo Alto, CA; Newark, CA; Phoenix, AZ; and eventually settling in Colorado in 2016). A skilled handyman throughout his life, David was proficient as a plumber, electrician, wood worker, restorer of furniture and decks, and a repairer of swimming pool pumps, sewing machines, etc.

David enjoyed fishing and had a delightful sense of humor. He adored making others laugh with his dry wit. He loved joking around, teasing, and being silly. He was incredibly generous, kind, and affectionate. Dave was a faithful fan of the San Francisco 49ers football team, and of the San Francisco Giants baseball team.

David is preceded in death by his mother, Rufina; his stepfather, Ted Garcia; three sisters, Lupe Perez, Porfirio, Mata, and Jennie Gallardo; three brothers, Edward Perez, A.J. Perez, and Richard Garcia; and all their spouses. David is also predeceased by two granddaughters, Mary Elizabeth and Bekka Elena; three nieces, four nephews and twenty-nine cousins.

David is survived by Judy, and their three children, Randall David (Barbara), Mitchell Ryan (Heather), and Susan Lenore. Dave is survived by his wife, Joan, and two stepchildren, John Mark Greene and Jaye Lynn Greene (Ken). Dave is also survived by eight grandchildren, Jason, Brandon, Marika (step), Christiana, Hank (step), Bill (step), Jay (step), and Sylvia and eleven great-grandchildren, Amanda (step), Xoie (step), Brianna, Justin, Piper, Quentin, Charlotte, Maeve, Klara, Raine and Wyatt.

Dave's home is full of photos of his family and friends, near and far, all of whom he truly cherished.

Burial will be at Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins, Colorado. Graveside services are to be announced later. Celebrations of David's life are being held in Loveland, Colorado on September 26, 2026, and in Modesto, California on October 18, 2026.

Dave is tremendously missed and is greatly loved by his family and friends.