Daniel (Dan) Louis Cruz, age 69, went to be with our Lord, Almighty God on February 25th, 2021 surrounded by his wife and children. Dan was born on June 3, 1951 in New York, NY, the son of Daniel and Gladys Cruz. Dan remained in New York until age 13, when his family moved to New Jersey. Graduating from Pascack Valley High school in Hillsdale, NJ, in May 1968, he joined the United States Air Force. The Air Force took Dan to Lackland AFB, Texas; Itizuke Air base, Japan; and Laughlin AFB, Texas. In 1972, while stationed at Laughlin, he married his beloved wife Rosalinda. When he was discharged in January 1973, he and his wife decided to make Del Rio their home. He began his career in law enforcement for the Del Rio Police Department in 1975 and served his community for over 21 years. While at the Del Rio Police Department, he quickly found himself moving up the ranks. One of his more significant achievements included being selected and graduating from the FBI national academy, in the fall of 1988. After his retirement from the Police Department, he continued to serve his community and country by working for the US Department of Defense and later the Department of Homeland Security. While maintaining his roles within the U.S. government, Dan continued to serve his community by contributing his spare time to the Sheriff's reserve. In 1998, Del Rio suffered one of its worst disastrous events, where Dan was awarded the Department of Air Force Command Civilian - Award for Valor, as he exhibited courageous acts of bravery and rescued 37 people during the devastating 100-year flood. When Dan wasn't working, he could be found living his life to fullest with his family and friends. Prior years Dan served on the SFDR-CISD School board, Knights of Columbus, he was a Eucharistic Minister, and enjoyed playing guitar for the church choir. Both Dan and Rosalinda are current parishioners at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He is preceded in death by his mother, Gladys Cruz, survived by his father Daniel Cruz, wife of 48 years, Rosalinda Cruz, children Stephanie Sauceda (Mark), Adrian Cruz (Crystal), and Catherine Denney (James), including six grandchildren Kailey, Chloe, Rylea, Ryan, Elliot, and Ari. Also, his siblings Nilda Mosco, Lisa Dalton, Eric Cruz, and Sally Murphy. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Sunset Memorial Oaks Funeral Home with Rosary at 5:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 10:00 am at Sacred Heart Church Catholic Church. Military Honors will be provided by United States Air Force and American Legion Post 595. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Oaks Cemetery.