DEFIANCE, OHIO – Pedro “Pete” Cruz, age 73, of Defiance passed away on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Toledo Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 17, 1944 in Cidra, Puerto Rico to the late Pedro and Felecita (Jimenez) Cruz. Pete graduated from Defiance High School in 1962 and retired from General Motors after 31 years of service. On May 29, 1966 he married Mary (Wagner) Cruz at the First Baptist Church in Defiance with Pastor Russell Bowditch officiating.
Pete served in the Army from 1962 to 1965 and was a life member of AMVETS. He also was a member of Hebron Ministries and loved his church family. Pete loved to cook for everybody and always enjoyed a good meal with family, friends and neighbors. He also enjoyed fishing, golf, and baseball. However, nothing compared to spending time with his children and grandchildren, whom he loved dearly.
Pete leaves his wife Mary Cruz of Defiance, his daughter Aimee (Caleb) Baker of Hillsdale, Michigan, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Also surviving are seven siblings: Jose (Christine) Cruz of Ayersville, Ohio; Paul (Karen) Cruz of Defiance; Ruben (Carmen) Cruz of Defiance; Lily (Juan) Diaz of Defiance; Maria (Matias) Garcia of Archbold, Ohio; Angel Cruz of Cape Coral, Florida; and Maggie (Ruben) Pagan of Defiance.
In addition to his parents, Pete was preceded in death by his son James Mathew Cruz.
Viewing will be held at Hebron Ministries, 1123 Ayersville Avenue, Defiance, Ohio, on Thursday May 17 from noon until the time of the service at 1:00 pm. Pastor Vincent Cantu will be officiating the service. A private family inurnment will be held on a future date.
Flowers may be delivered to the church on Thursday from 9am until noon. At the request of the family, memorial contributions may be made to the church or the National Kidney Foundation. For additional information and to view Pete’s online video tribute, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.

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