Juan Manuel Santa Cruz

Juan Manuel Santa Cruz

1940-2022

Juan Manuel Santa Cruz, age 81, a resident of Belen, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, into the waiting arms of Jesus Christ our Lord, after suffering through a long illness.

Services will take place on Friday, Oct. 7, at Romero Funeral Home Chapel beginning with a visitation at 5:30 p.m., followed by a celebration of life at 6:30 p.m.

Juan is preceded in death by his loving son and caregiver, Juan Jr.; parents, Manuel and Antonia Santa Cruz; brothers, Ugo, Humberto and Carlos; and sisters, Dora and Lilia.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Sara (Sean Newton); brothers, Francisco (Mercy) and Luiz (Nora); two grandchildren, Donika and Richard; and two great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Juan’s hospice care nurses, chaplain and Joel, as well as many loving friends.

Juan never knew a stranger, and will always be remembered for his beautiful smile and great disposition.

He worked as a marble fabricator for Francisco’s Marble and Granite Co. for 25 years. Juan was an amazing cook; he made the most incredible barbecue, lengua tacos, and carne seca that anyone ever had.

We, the family, would like to thank Romero Funeral Home for their support and care for our beloved Juan. Please sign Juan’s online tribute at romerofuneralhomenm.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen.