Ananias "Sonny" B. Cruz

Retired U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Ananias “Sonny” Bagongahasa Cruz was born in 1945 to Melchor and Rufina Bagongahasa Cruz in Paete, Laguna, Philippines. As a kid, he had a knack for getting himself into trouble and saw his fair share of schoolyard fights, a reputation that his family later laughed with him about often. In hindsight, his spirited childhood was the beginning of a life spent fiercely caring for and standing by his family through thick and thin.

Sonny immigrated to the United States and enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1966. He met his Lady in Red, Evelyn Papa, while stationed in Chicago. He was set up through a mutual friend to meet a different Papa sister, but it was Evelyn who opened the door. It was love at first sight and he and Evelyn were married for over 40 years. “Lady in Red” was their song.

He was able to petition for his mother's entry into the United States, and she was later followed by his father and seven siblings. Sonny dug the foundation for his family to be able to plant their roots in America for generations to come.

He was preceded by his parents and Ava Fulford. He is now survived by a massive and thriving family tree, including his wife Evelyn, his four children and their spouses (Rufina Gulanes and husband Rene, Sonny “Jr” Cruz and wife Vanessa, Alvin Cruz and wife Marilyn, and Emmanuel “Noel” Cruz and wife Katherine) and six grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings and their spouses (Virgilio Cruz and wife Celedonia, Lourdes Cruz, Melchor Cruz Jr. and wife Eloida, Maria Fe Chamberlin and husband John, Eliseo Cruz and wife Jessica, Nelia Punzalan and husband Cenen, and Isaac Cruz and wife Genedina).

Sonny was constantly the life of the party, his friends and family always looked forward to his unorthodox humor at every occasion. He was an avid bowler, a methodical and calculated chess player, and the proud winner of numerous trophies in local ping pong tournaments. He could still demolish his sons and grandson in the sport well into his 70s and after two knee surgeries. He famously brought a paddle with him to a cruise, always ready for the next round.

Besides keeping everyone in the room laughing, Sonny was also known for his passion for helping others. He retired from the U.S. Coast Guard as a Chief Petty Officer after 28 years of honorable and faithful service, and throughout his life, he constantly donated money to the church and restoration projects in his hometown of Paete. He also loved cooking and hosting people.

He always talked about how he was content and happy with his life, coming from very humble beginnings. He was a member of the Paetenians Association and very proud to come from a town with a rich history. Known as the “woodcarving capital of the Philippines,” everyone in town knew him, his family, or of his generosity. Later in life, he loved introducing his family to everyone in town, and introducing his childhood friends to his family.

Ananias was known as Sonny to many friends, Ani to family, but loved being called Grandpa by Karina, Noah, Ayden, Nux, Cole and Warren.

Sonny died peacefully in his sleep to natural causes on March 21, 2021. He is loved by many and his memory will live through his stories passed down through generations to come.

Any donations in lieu of flowers will be used to support the church in his hometown of Paete, Laguna, Philippines. Please consider wearing red and black in Sonny's honor at the visitation