Alan Joseph Santa Cruz

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Dad, Alan J. Santa Cruz, the Patriarch of our family. He was also affectionately known as Swartz. Alan passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

Alan was born on July 18, 1943, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Patrick Mark Santa Cruz and Lillie Rose Wentzell Santa Cruz. He grew up with a strong sense of service and community that would define his life.

He was a graduate of Biloxi High School and Mississippi State University, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. Alan dedicated his professional life to public service, representing District 116 as a State Representative in Mississippi. Later, he served as City Manager of D’Iberville, Mississippi till retiring. His career also included service on the Gulf Regional Planning Commission and as Administrator of Harrison County. Alan also owned and operated Alan- The Man’s Store.

As a captain in the United States Army and a Vietnam veteran, Alan proudly served his country. For his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star.

A man of deep faith, Alan served as a Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of Fatima and St. Michael’s Catholic Church. He was past Commander of VFW Post 2434 in Biloxi, a past Board President and King of Les Cavaliers Mardi Gras Association, a Charter Member of the Ole’ Biloxi Marching Club, and past President. In his free time, Alan enjoyed woodworking, antiquing, collecting Mississippi, Gulf Coast postcards and Barq’s memorabilia, and watching the Mississippi State Bulldogs play. Most of all, Alan relished his marriage to Joan. Together, they shared a love of fine dining, singing karaoke, traveling, and dancing together through life. He took pride in watching his children grow up and when the grandchildren came along, he enjoyed watching them play their sport activities. He rarely missed one of their games.

Alan was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick Mark Santa Cruz and Lillie Rose Wentzell Santa Cruz; his beloved aunt, Rena Marie Wentzell “By”; his grandson, Brandon Scott Jarrett; and his brother, Melvin Caldwell.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joan Santa Cruz; his children, Meredith Santa Cruz, Connie Lea (Darren), and Jason Gum (Demisha); grandchildren, Amanda Jarrett (Aaron), Sara Santa Cruz, Justin Johnson (Caitlin), Tyler Jarrett (Yana), Maxwell Santa Cruz, Noah Santa Cruz, Tori Gum, Haidyn Lea, and K’Lee Gum; and great-grandchildren, Josie Johnson, Elana Jarrett, Brandon Young, Kayce Johnson, Emma Young, and Haven Jarrett. He is also survived by his loyal companion, his loving schnauzer, Lady.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Biloxi, Mississippi. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at 12:30 p.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Alan was an incredible man — a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and cherished great-grandfather. His quiet strength, integrity, and unwavering love for his family defined who he was, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Alan Joseph Santa Cruz “Swartz.”