In loving memory of Antonio “Tony” Arriola Cruz, USN (Ret.) born on June 2, 1943, in Agana, Guam to Jesus and Filomena Cruz, and passed peacefully surrounded by family in his home on September 13, 2026 in Yulee, Florida.


Tony is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Joanne Cruz, and his children Tony Jr., Momi (Bill), Joe (Gerlie), and Andre (Jennifer). He is also survived by his grandchildren Jessica, Andrew, Jose, Alyssa, Tristan, Maya, Ayden, Ryan, Megan, Sydney, Keith, Caige, and his great-grandson Gavin. Tony is also survived by his brother Juan and many nieces and nephews.


One of Tony’s proudest accomplishments was his 30 year career in the United States Navy. Tony enlisted in the Navy in 1961, where he traveled by boat from Guam to San Diego, California for basic training. While stationed at Andrews Airforce Base, he met his future wife Joanne Everson. They fell in love and got married at the Bad Axe Church in Purdy, Wisconsin in 1963. To this union was born their six children. His wife and children lived all over the world, with some of their favorites being Hawaii, Iceland, and Wisconsin.


Tony retired as a Senior Chief, and then worked 19 years as a civilian for the Navy as an aircraft mechanic. After retiring in 2005, Tony wanted to make his forever home in Viroqua, Wisconsin on his wife’s five generation family farm that they purchased from her father in 1974. Tony and Joanne spent almost two decades in their Pine Mountain Getaway cabin with their son John just next door. Tony was a faithful member of the Southwest Prairie Church.


Tony loved the outdoors. You could often find him cutting down trees on their nearly 200 acre farm. His favorite thing to do was deer hunting in the winter months with his sons and close friends. He was a hard worker, but appreciated the simple country life.


After the death of their son John, Tony and Joanne made the move back to Florida to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Tony decided to embrace their new Florida life by purchasing his prized convertible mustang. He also enjoyed many fishing trips on his son Joe’s fishing boat and their ongoing competition of who caught the biggest fish.


Quiet by nature, Tony did not always need many words to show he cared. His love was greatly expressed through his loyalty and generosity. Those who knew him best will remember him as a kind and gentle man.


Tony was also a devoted Christian. His faith was an important part of his life and guided the way he treated others. He spent many years as a Sunday school teacher at Edgewood Avenue Christian Church in Jacksonville, Florida. Tony could often be found studying his Bible in the late hours of the night. His faith, service, and devotion to his family will remain a lasting part of his legacy.


Tony was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father-in-law Ellef and Evelyn Everson, brothers Vicente, Jesus, Francisco, his sons John and Adam Cruz, and sons-in-law Chuck, Bruce, and Bill.


Even after death, Tony was generously able to give to others by being an organ donor.


A memorial service will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church in Yulee, Florida on Saturday, September 26 at 11:00 a.m., followed by full military honors at the Jacksonville National Cemetery on Monday, September 28th at 12:30 p.m.


In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Southwest Prairie Church in Ferryville, Wisconsin or Grace Presbyterian Church in Yulee, Florida.


“Well done, good and faithful servant.” - Matthew 25:23


Fair Winds and Following Seas