Wilfredo Cruz-Rios

Wilfredo “Freddy” Cruz-Rios was born August 20, 1955, in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico and passed away September 20, 2025, in Alexandria, Louisiana at the age of 70. He grew up in Puerto Rico then joined the Army. While stationed in Hawaii in 1976 he met his wife. His last duty station was Ft. Polk where he retired in 1996. Freddy loved Paso Fino horses, going to Starbucks with a hot mocha latte, and socializing. He loved to wander around stores and talk to everyone who would talk to him. He loved meeting new people. He was charming, friendly, funny, and warm. He was always curious about where people came from and their histories. He loved watching cartoons and anime, horror, westerns, and sci-fi movies. He loved watching YouTube videos of La Voz and listening to Latin music. His favorite author was Louis L’Amour. He loved the Lonesome Dove series, and he read Conan the Barbarian comic books. His family was dear to him and spending time with them brought him much joy. He was with his family until his last breath.

Freddy was preceded in death by his mother Teresa Rios-Rios and his father Nicolas Cruz-Hilerio.

Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife Lillian Pauline Cruz, his eldest daughter Maile Cruz Saucier and her husband Brandon Saucier, his son Joshua Taino Cruz and his life partner Kate Martin, his youngest daughter Nani’Kiele Tiare Cruz, his sister Monsy Cruz-Rios, his nephews Alexis Perez-Cruz, Alvin Perez-Cruz, and Alland Perez-Cruz, his sister Noemi “Tata” Cruz, and his brother Orlando “Macho” Cruz.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the Central Louisiana Veteran’s Cemetery in Leesville.