Eduardo Pascual Cruz - Obituary

duardo Pascual Cruz, resident of Fort Washington, MD passed away on May 30, 2022 at the age of 81. He was born in Paranaque, Manila, Philippines, son of Mario Cruz and Virginia Pascual. Preceded by his wife Aurora Nicolas Cruz and survived by his children Rhandy (Beth), Eileen (Claudio), Edward (Melissa), Edna (Jon) and 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandson. He is also survived by his sister Conchita Cruz. Life’s challenges began early in Eduardo’s journey, losing his father at a very young age (4). Nonetheless (as a child), he learned how to survive by being resourceful, creative, and hard-working. He built a strong foundation of respect that everyone valued and instilled these core values throughout his life engraining and teaching them to his family. Above all, he always carried a positive attitude, no matter how difficult the situation. At 19 years of age, he enlisted in the United States Navy. One year later, marrying his one true love, Aurora Nicolas. Together they lived a career military life, building a family and experiencing worldly travels. Eduardo served in the Vietnam War and spent 16 years at sea on various Navy Carriers achieving the enlisted rating of Chief Petty Officer, Culinary Specialist. Eduardo took his love for food to another level, catering large events and private parties for high-ranking military officials. Those events became a family affair involving all his children to help cook, prepare, serve, and bartend with him. Everyone enjoyed his amazing food, but his presentation was equally eye-popping as he had a creative talent to carve radishes into blooming flowers, a watermelon into a peacock fruit bowl, and perfectly carved turkey’s reassembled as if they had not been cut. He made things look simple and easy, a quality trait resembling his very own character. All four of Eduardo’s children learned his gift of cooking. He felt comfort in knowing that no one would go hungry in their households. For him, the kitchen was a place to teach and learn. He continued this tradition with his grandchildren who meant the world to him. Engaging them to help make his famous “hotcakes” and teaching them his trade secrets. His impeccable taste was the gold standard. Eduardo was a man of selfless honor, a fighter and respected individual. Patience was his virtue, which he took time to wholeheartedly listen, and his advice was unforgettable. He would leave this life on earth in a meaningful way, passing on Memorial Day. Now, he can peacefully reunite with his wife as he ascends into heaven to join her. A prayer will be held via zoom at 2:30pm on Saturday, June 11, 2022. Public viewing will follow from 3-6pm to pay your respects in person. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace, 2700 19th St. S, Arlington, VA 22204 followed by interment with Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia at 1 pm. Please arrive at the Administration Building parking lot with one's own transportation and ID by 12:15 p.m. Details to follow with a Celebration of Life.