Arsenio Cruz

Veteran’s Biography for Mt. Soledad Website

Arsenio Roan Cruz

Arsenio Roan Cruz was born on December 14, 1946 in Pateros, Metro Manila, Philippines to parents Hipolito Cuevas Cruz and Apolonia Roan Cruz. He was the youngest of 4 siblings, and grew up in the barrio of Sta. Ana. He was most referred to as “Arsie” to friends and family. He peacefully passed away due to complications from stage 4 Lymphoma on Saturday, October 12, 2024. He was surrounded by his loving wife and 3 daughters.

Arsie joined the United States Navy in 1966 at Fort Sangley Point, Philippines and worked his way up the ranks in Culinary Services to E7 Chief. He received numerous medals and ribbons including the Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, 5th Good Conduct Medal Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Battle “E” Award, National Defense Service Medal, and the 3rd Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He served at the Naval Air Station in Whidbey Island WA, Naval Air Station in Alameda, CA, and proudly served in Military Sealift Command aboard the USS Little Rock based in Italy, USS America in Norfolk VA, USS Tarawa in San Diego CA, and retired on the USS Fanning in San Diego CA.

After serving for 22 years, Arsie retired from the United States Navy in 1989, and continued his career in Navy Housing property management and as a US government contractor in Environmental Services before fully retiring in 2019.

He married the love of his life on May 9, 1973 and they eventually settled in the city of San Diego, CA in the Paradise Hills neighborhood in 1982. Together, they raised 3 daughters. Arsie will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to all. He was a former saxophone player, lover of music, and enjoyed singing. His favorite hobbies included bowling in multiple leagues, cooking for loved ones, eating with loved ones, gardening, and spending time with his dogs. He was a true Chargers football and Padres baseball fan. Many remember him as a “social butterfly” who loved joking around and making friends and family laugh at every gathering.

Arsenio is survived by his spouse, 3 daughters, 3 son-in-laws, and 4 grandchildren. Arsenio was laid to his final resting place in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park in Pateros, Metro Manila, Philippines on December 8, 2024.