Cruz Lopez Saldana

Cruz Saldana, 73, of Pharr, Texas went to be with the Lord on June 26, 2021 at McAllen Medical Center. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years Carmen Saldana, four children Carmina Lopez, Cruz Saldana Jr. (Yesenia), Carolina Saldana, and Carlos Saldana. Grandchildren Cristina Saldana, Crystal Saldana, Anastasia Lopez, Arabella Lopez and several granddogs. Siblings Miguel Saldana (Santos) and Diolanda Saldana and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Maria Lopez Saldana and Elijio Saldana, brother Arturo Saldana, and 3 grandchildren Christian Lopez, Casey and Luke Saldana and his beloved dog Annie. Mr. Saldana was born and raised in McAllen, Texas on December 7, 1947. In his younger years, his family would migrate and work in the onion, strawberry, cotton, and potato fields. This is where he developed his strong work ethic until his death. At nineteen years old, he was drafted into the US Army in 1968 to serve in the Vietnam War. He served for 2 years before being honorably discharged in 1970. He met his future wife in the summer of 1965 and married the love of his life on December 22, 1972. Mr. Saldana attended and graduated from Pan American College in 1977 with a Bachelor’s degree in History, Psychology, and Sociology. An amazing teacher for the PSJA ISD school district for 27 years, before retiring in 2000; he had a creative way of teaching his lessons to his students making him a favorite teacher to many. A fourth degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, he loved and taught karate to his students for many years. He was also an adventurer and traveled to many national parks and historical sites with his family throughout the years. His hobbies included shopping, watching Netflix, listening to oldies while sitting outside with his wife, and watching documentaries on history and aliens. Mr. Saldana was a hardworking man and a proud businessman. He was very friendly and made friends wherever he went. Always willing to help, he never hesitated to help whenever he could. Mr. Saldana will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all that knew him. We will be celebrating his life on Tuesday June 29, 2021 with a visitation from 11am-9pm with a prayer service at 7pm at Aurora Funeral Home in Pharr. A prayer service will be conducted on Wednesday at 12pm followed with a burial service at 1pm at Roselawn Cemetery in McAllen. He will be laid to rest with full military honors.

Cruz Lopez Saldana

December 7, 1947 - June 26, 2021