Santos Quintero Cruz

The family of Santos "Saint" Quintero Cruz, of Ecorse, is saddened to announce his passing on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at the age of 71 years.

Beloved husband of Olivia Cruz for 35 years. Loving father of the late Samuel T. Cruz, Santos T. Cruz Jr II., Nina Cruz (CJ Ortega), Roy Cruz, Jan Mike Wagner (Paula R. Wagner), and the late Anita Catherine Wagner. Proud grandfather of Chalo R. Wagner (Iris), Jose L. Wagner (Thalia), Adam I. Wagner (Breanna), Alejandro (Stephanie) N. Wagner, Keuna L. Cruz, Naej A. Cruz, Ethan A. Ortega, Alyssa (Bobby) M. Wagner and Santos Cruz Jr. III. Caring great-grandfather of LeiLani Wagner, Dayanara Wagner, Arlene Silva, Anastazya Silva, Anuel Silva, Naomi Wagner, Jose Wagner Jr., Julian Wagner, Isaac Wagner, Westen Wagner, Zeyden Campbell, Crusito Cruz, Lezsette Cruz, and Epham Phelps. He will be forever missed by his 8 heart grandchildren Martha Salazar, Juve Salazar, Joselyn Salazar, Jimena Salazar, Vanessa Salazar, Angel Salazar, Sebastian Salazar, and Sarai Salazar. With much gratitude to Jessica Rocha for being an amazing and great caregiver. He will be missed by his nieces and nephews Dido, Debbie, Donnie, Danny Jr, Melissa, Mikey, and Albert Costillo (Monica).

Santos was born on May 7, 1952 to the late Adam and Jovita Cruz in Catarina, Texas.  He was one of seven children. Dear brother of the late Danny, Adam, Arnold, Francis, Diana, and the late Samuel.

Santos faithfully and bravely served in the Army Infantry during Vietnam and Korea.

There is not enough time in the day to say enough about Santos and the beautiful legacy he leaves behind. His most defining characteristic was that he was a Christian who loved the Lord deeply. He had a big heart and would always do whatever he could to help anyone who needed it. Caring, giving, and loving were all qualities he demonstrated every day. Above all else, Santos loved his family. There was never anything that could be done to make him not love you. His grandchildren even thought of Santos as an invincible super-hero. Santos was known by his great-grandchildren as "The Real Papa" because he was the real deal.

Santos was hardworking. When faced with a problem, he was a stubborn, hard-headed man who would not give up. He liked to do everything himself to make sure things were completed to his standards. Santos worked hard for his family. He worked as a mechanical engineer for Spirit Airlines. When Santos wasn't working hard, he enjoyed looking at and tinkering with any type of old car or muscle car.

Santos will be forever missed by all his family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 22, 2023  1:00 PM until time of service at Solosy Funeral Home.

Veterans Honors and Funeral Service will begin at 7:00 PM.

Interment will be on Tuesday, May 23, 2023  10:00 AM at Great Lakes National Cemetery.