AFFIRMING A PRIESTHOOD, ROOTED IN A REFORMED AND RENEWED CHURCH

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Cruz, Gilbert

cruz

REST IN PEACE

Gilbert R. Cruz, born in San Antonio, Texas, departed to be with the Lord at the age of 88. He was the loving husband of Patricia and dedicated father to his two sons, Andres Antonio, and his wife Abby, and Miguel Luis. He now joins his parents, Gilbert and Lottie Cruz, in eternal rest.

He attended Central Catholic High School followed by Assumption Seminary and served the Archdiocese of San Antonio. During his ministry, he attended Catholic University of America, Washington, DC and was certified in hospital chaplaincy services in 1962. He was elected as President of the Catholic Chaplains in Texas Hospitals and served as chaplain at the San Antonio State Hospital. In 1969 his request to move beyond ministry to engage in higher studies was approved by the Vatican. By 1972 he had completed BA and MA degrees at St. Mary's University. In 1974 he earned a Ph.D. in American History from St. Louis University. His career as a professor in higher education began by teaching at Our Lady of the Lake University. In 1970 he accepted a position with the University of Texas PanAm (PanAm University). During his tenure he was designated a Fulbright Scholar assigned to Colombia.

In 1980 Dr. Cruz began working as Head Historian at the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park where he implemented a research program in history; he explained and/or interpreted the cooperative agreement between the Catholic Church and the National Park Service and he rescued many pieces of ecclesiastical art for later restoration by the National Park Service. Additionally, Dr. Cruz portrayed Fray Isidro Felix Espinosa in the documentary film "Texas Before the Alamo." He suggested historical perspectives and interpretations to enhance the storyline. The film is now on the threshold of completion and, in recognition of Dr. Cruz' numerous contributions to "Texas Before the Alamo," his name will be included in Memoriam when the film will be telecast by Univision in 2018. Dr. Cruz never seemed to retire; he played an active part in reviving the San Antonio Historical Association at St. Mary's University.

He is survived by his wife Patricia Cruz and her son Greg Sommers. Mike Sommers, her younger son, is deceased. He is also survived by his brother Rt. Col. H.G. Cruz and wife Vivien with their children, Elizabeth, and husband Steve Cutter, Jennifer, and husband Brad Carpenter, Mary Spear, and John Cruz, and his sister Geraldine C. McCormack-Trevino with her husband Gilbert Trevino and children Tom and wife Taylor, Matt, John, stepdaughter Dianna T. Perez, and husband Tony, and stepson Gilbert A. Trevino and wife Joanna, as well a host of other loving grand nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Visitation will be held on Sun, Oct. 22, 2017 from 6pm to 8pm with a Rosary at 7pm at Porter Loring Mortuary on McCullough.

A mass will be held on Mon., Oct. 23, 2017 at 10am at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 600 Oblate, San Antonio, TX.

Entombment will follow in Holy Cross Mausoleum.

Flowers are welcome, but memorial contributions may be sent to the San Antonio Historical Association (PO Box 5921, Beacon Hill; San Antonio, Texas 78201) or Assumption Seminary San Antonio, Texas (http://assumptionseminary.org/; 210-734-5137).

Gilbert was a member of the San Antonio CORPUS community and attended their meetings and liturgies.