On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Alejandro “Cano” De La Cruz took his final bow in Chicago, IL—a city he proudly called home since the early 1970s. Born on July 17, 1938 in Trojes, Zacatecas Mexico to Antonio De La Cruz and Carmen Sanchez, Alejandro’s remarkable journey as a young man began in Juarez, he continued on to Reynosa, and then Tijuana Mexico, which led him through Baja California , San Jose, El Paso, New Mexico, and ultimately Chicago—each new place shaped the man who would one day anchor his family with dignity and resolve.

As a former “bracero,” Alejandro’s journey was one of courage and perseverance, crossing borders in search of opportunity for his loved ones. He was a perfectionist and a natural engineer, a man with many talents who never hesitated to lend his hands or mind to what needed fixing—especially if it meant helping his family. He was a mechanic.

Alejandro was the heart of a large family and is survived by his wife Teresa Beltran and children: Jose Refugio, Antonio, Alejandro, Carlos, Manuela, Oscar, and Carmen. He also carried in his memory their beloved son Ebodio, who left this world too soon, and a stillborn child who was never named but always remembered.

He took immense pride in his grandchildren: Aviana, Angel, Eva, Sebastian, Max, Lucas, Marcos, and Marina, with his great-granddaughter Freya bringing him special joy. These generations will forever carry forward his humor, courage, and curiosity.

A complicated and passionate man, Alejandro was both fierce and tender, unyielding and warm. He was forward and honest, unafraid to speak his mind — often with a wit so sharp it could draw laughter through tears. Sarcasm was his art form, humor his truth, and compassion his quiet strength.

Mexican rancheras always filled his home with music and love. Surrounded by laughter, friends, and often a drink and a scratch-off ticket in hand, Alejandro thrived in the company of those he cherished. His legacy is that of a man who worked hard, loved deeply, and taught his family to embrace both the joys and sorrows of life with open hearts.

Que descanse en paz, Papá! Siempre en nuestros corazones.

La Familia De La Cruz, Beltran.

Visitation Services: Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 3-7 p.m. at M. Martinez Funeral Home, 5800 W. 63rd Street

Funeral service: Monday, November 24, 2025, at 8:30 AM at M. Martinez Funeral Home

Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. at St. Mary Star of the Sea at 6435 S. Kilbourn Ave, Chicago, IL

Interment: Resurrection Cemetery, 7201 Archer Rd, Justice, IL

Velorio: Domingo, 23 de Noviembre del 2025 de 3-7 p.m. en Funeraria M. Martinez, 5800 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL.

Funeral: Lunes, 24 de Noviembre a las 8:30 AM en la Funeraria M. Martinez,

Misa Funebre: 10 a.m. en la Iglesia St. Maria Estrella del Mar at 6435 S. kilbourn Ave, Chicago, IL

Entierro: Cementerio Resurreccion, 7201 Archer Rd, Justice, IL