Cruz Anthony Garcia

Cruz Anthony Garcia
1951-2026

Cruz was born in San Francisco and raised in Oxnard by his grandmother and father alongside his two cousins, Cruz and Rudy. He loved music. His first instrument was the trumpet and he later played the baritone horn in the marching band at Oxnard High School. Growing up in Oxnard, he formed lifelong friendships that remained important to him throughout his life. It was also there, in 1977, that he met Anita—the woman who would become his wife, his partner, and the center of everything he built.

Cruz and Anita shared more than 45 years of marriage. They began their family in Oxnard before making their permanent home in Camarillo. Together, they worked hard in their careers to provide for and raise their family: Cruz as a firefighter and Anita as a registered nurse. Cruz was a steady, loving, and dependable husband and father. He showed his love not through grand words, but through diligent hard work as a man of action. No matter what was needed, he was there to quietly take care of it.

In 1973, Cruz began his career with the Ventura County Fire Department after attending Santa Barbara City College and UCSB. Over the next 40 years, he served his community, retiring as a captain. He was known for his calm presence, easygoing nature, and quiet leadership. He made everyone feel welcome, earning the respect and friendship of those he worked alongside, including members of other first responder agencies.

If you knew Cruz, you knew he was a man of few words who rarely complained. When he spoke, people listened because his words carried weight. He had the perfect one-liners that could fill a room with laughter. He loved to "bring home the bacon," cook for his family, listen to the Beatles, spend time with family and friends, enjoy the taste of red wine, watch sports, and make many trips to Costco and other stores. He enjoyed traveling and frequently planned the family trips. He was a thoughtful, independent thinker who never felt the need to follow the crowd.

Cruz is survived by his wife, Anita, and children: Amanda, Maureen, Frank, Chelsea, Iain, Andrew, Karline, and Natallie. He was affectionately known as "Papa" to 24 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Our family will truly miss him beyond words. We take comfort in the memories he gave us, the humble example he set, and the love he leaves behind. Until we meet again, he will forever remain in our hearts.