Ralph R. Cruz, Sr., 81, of Castalia, died Wednesday morning, December 2, 2020, in Firelands Regional Medical Center, Sandusky, following a brief illness.

He was born Nov. 27, 1939, in Texas, and was employed for 40 years at G & C Foundry, Sandusky. He attended The Chapel and was a power lifter until the age of 75. He enjoyed tinkering with cars.

Ralph is survived by 2 daughters Annette Cruz and Cynthia (Trevor Webb) Cruz; 3 sons Ralph (Rita) Cruz, Jr., Michael (Jennifer) Cruz, Sr., and Nathaniel Cruz; grandchildren  Amanda (Jon) Lowis, AJ (Ashley McKinney) Hamilton, Travis Cruz, Josh (Kayla) Fox, Mikey (Ruthann Silvis) Cruz, Jr., Jessica Cruz, Miranda Cruz; great grandchildren Jarrod, Bryson, Dawson, Skyler, Landon, Lydia, Kaylee, Alie, Rori, Joven, and Emma; 2 sisters Ordilia Leelah and Mary (Joe) Durso; 3 brothers Ronnie (Olivia) Cruz, Corondo (Diane) Cruz, and Alfred Cruz; brother-in-law Dennis Lehner; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Sharon in 2018; parents Sylvestre and Gregoria Cruz, Sr.; brothers David, Sylvestre Jr., Ruben, Herman, Robert, Larry, and Arthur Cruz; sisters Olga Cruz, Hortencia Villarreal, and Rose Cruz Hall; and nephew Tim Wright.

Private family services will be held Monday, December 7, 2020, at Ransom Funeral and Cremation Service, 610 S. Washington St., Castalia. Burial will be in Castalia Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Cruz Family, 1606 Central Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870. Online condolences and gifts of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.ransomfuneralhome.com.