Joseph Taijeron Cruz

Joseph Taijeron Cruz, 69, Glen Burnie resident, died surrounded by family under hospice care on Monday, May 6, 2024. Joseph was born in Guam on Sunday, May 16, 1954, to Jose Bautista Cruz and Olympia Taijeron Cruz. He graduated from John F Kennedy High School in 1972 and received his Master's in 1994 from Bowie State University. He joined the Army in 1980 and was a contractor for the Military after his honorable discharge. He taught at the University of Guam for a few years but his love and gift for teaching carried on throughout his entire life; it was his passion to teach others. Joseph was a faithful and compassionate member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His absence has already been felt and he will be missed by many.

Joseph is preceded by his parents, Jose Bautista Cruz and Olympia Taijeron Cruz; and his siblings, Geronimo “Ernie”, Cecilia “Bella”, and Catherine “Cathy.” He is survived by his children, OlyMarie Cruz of Glen Burnie, Carmen Kline (Ryan) of Germany, Joseph Quintanilla Cruz of Silver Spring, Joan Solly (Peter) of Ellicott City and John Quintanilla Cruz of Odenton; his siblings, Joan "Annie" Cruz (Evelyn) of Guam, John “Wonpat” Cruz of Guam and Barbara "Bobbie" Towns (JC "James") of Washington; and his grandchildren: Makayla, Nemone, Lara, Cora, Barry, Juliet, Isabelle and his great grandson, Domanic.

A small memorial service will be held in Maryland; please reach out to the family for details. Services held on Guam will be shared at a later date. Please check back for Guam updates. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to either your local LDS ward or the University of Guam.