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Dcn. Armando Cruz-Rodz
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December 17, 2020Deacon Armando Luis Cruz-Rodz passed away Nov. 25 in Edmond at age 58.
He was born April 14, 1962, to Luis Angel Cruz-Velez and Blanca Lydia Rodriguez-Figueroa in Lares, Puerto Rico. He earned a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico. He loved learning so much he earned several more degrees in art, theology and engineering.
He was the S.T.E.M. dean of Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City for several years and was a professor of chemistry. Cruz-Rodz served as a deacon at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Oklahoma City and prior to that as a deacon at Epiphany of The Lord Catholic Church in Oklahoma City.
As a deacon, he also served the Byzantine Catholic Community of Oklahoma City and the Holy Family Theosis retreats (similar to Cursillo). He traveled with Father Phil Seeton to visit isolated families around Oklahoma once or twice a year.
He taught Spanish for Putnam City Public Schools during the day and served as adjunct professor at night. He also taught at Tulakes, Windsor Hills, DD Kirkland and Coronado Heights elementary schools.
He was known for his basso profundo voice in chanting his parts of the liturgy and he could keep up with any Russian deacon. He loved the Eastern churches and his office at OSU-OKC had many icons.
Cruz-Rodz was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Luis Angel Jr. and William Nelson. He is survived by his son, Derrick Cruz-Rodz and his wife Cheryl Lynn; grandchildren, D.W., Ayla, Arley and one on the way; one brother, Juan “Tony” Cruz-Rodriquez; nieces, Maiyiomi Rivera, Yomara Cruz-Torres, Blanca Cruz-Torres and Clarixa Cruz-Torres; great-nieces and nephews, Mia, Zamaya, Jeremiah, Cynthea, Prince, Manny and Lirio Amiir. He also is survived by many beloved colleagues, parishioners and friends.
Armando was larger than life in both stature and heart with a smile as bright as his spirit. He will be remembered as a loving, faithful and self-giving deacon of the Church.
A prayer service was held Dec. 2 at Epiphany. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Dec. 3 at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church. Memorial gifts can be made to Holy Angels Youth Ministry at 317 N. Blackwelder Ave., OKC 73106.
