Army SGM Geraldo Cruzado Obituary

Geraldo Cruzado, 69, of Blythewood, South Carolina, went home to be with our Master and Savior, Yeshua Messiah, on December 13, 2025. He left this world to enter his Eternal home. Born on May 24,1956, Geraldo was a man of kindness, generosity and strong in his faith and love for the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He was a devoted husband for over 21 years, a loving father and grandfather, and steadfast friend to many. Of the many amazing things to be said of Geraldo, his great love for children was one of his finest attributes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ferdinand Cruzado and Justina Cruzado, father-in-law Rafael Castro Silva, mother-in-law Minerva Agullo Castro, brother-in-law Rafael Castro, and brother-in-law Robin Brinkley. He leaves behind his loving wife Yolanda Castro-Cruzado, siblings Leslie Cruzado, Sandra Potter (Don), David Cruzado (Carole), sister-in-law Carmen Amick (Ronnie). Children Julie Ragland (John), Sarah Cruzado (IB), Victoria Ncube (Takudzwa), and Geraldo Cruzado, Jr. Grandchildren Natalie Brooks, Jessie Juarez, Julien Ragland, Nora Sol Ncube, Farai Ncube, as well as nieces and nephews, and extended family who will cherish his memory forever.

Excellence was the hallmark of Geraldo's career. He proudly served his country for over 24 years in our Nation's Army, where he served in numerous specialty fields alongside Drill Instructors, Airborne Infantry Paratroopers, Special Forces Operators, and within the elite US Army Ranger Regiment. After a decorated military career, he brought his exceptional skills and dedication to his civil servant role, where he continued to serve the Army with distinction for two more decades as a Department of the Army Civilian, culminating as the Fort Jackson Anti-Terrorism Officer and Operational Security Manager.

Geraldo had a great love for Israel and the Jewish people. He and Yolanda served and fellowshipped for 10 years at Beth Shalom Synagogue. Serving at Beth Shalom brought him great joy. There he had the privilege of studying and becoming accomplished in Hebrew.

He loved spending time with his wife and children, participating in numerous shooting contests with Mid Carolina Rifle Club, as well as other rifle clubs in the Southeast, and enjoyed working with his hands allowing him to build and do many home improvement projects. Serving and helping anyone, in any capacity, was Geraldo's common practice and he gave his all, joyfully, no matter what his hands found to do. He will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing him.

The funeral service for Geraldo will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 12:30 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. Family will receive friends prior to the service at the funeral home from 11:30 until 12:30 o'clock. Burial with full military honors will follow at 2 o'clock at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC.

Memorials may be made to Willing Warriors, https://www.willingwarriors.org/, 16013 Waterfall Road, Haymarket, VA 29169.