Cruz Trejo Chavez

Cruz Trejo Chavez was born on April 20, 1948 in La Yegueria, (now Jose Maria Morelos) Michoacan, Mexico. He was the 7th child of 8 siblings.

To help the family, he dropped out at the 2nd grade. His first job was helping his parents with working the land, feeding the oxen, and herding the cows. He always knew he wanted a better life for himself and as soon as the opportunity presented itself, he decided to emigrate to the USA. At the age of 19, he arrived at Davenport, CA. He had a variety of jobs, mostly in the agricultural sector. He worked at the Campbell Mushroom, Co, he picked lettuce, "following the season" from California to Yuma, AZ.

He married Carmen Cordova soon after meeting her at a social event in their hometown in 1970. Shortly after, he brought her to the USA where their first son was born. He always dreamt of returning to his beloved Mexico and for a few years, his wife and children traveled back and forth from Mexico to the USA. His first big accomplishment was building his first house so he could finally settle in the USA.

Among his jobs, he made "carnitas" on the weekends to supplement his income. After deliberating and tired of hearing his wife, he finally took the leap and opened his restaurant Trejo's Carnitas in Watsonville, CA in 1995. He lived for that restaurant. He was such a hardworking person and was always on time. He reached the American Dream and showed us that hard work and dedication pays off. He helped his "paisanos", his family, and friends.

He loved animals and when he was home, he always had a dog by his side. The avocado orchard he had at home was his pride and joy. He loved having a good time and loved his Banda music and "Las Jilguerillas". He built a reputable name for himself and his family. He will always be remembered as providing us all with the best "carnitas" in the Bay Area. A long road awaits his wife and children, and even though he had a bad temper, he was always the family's patriarch and rock. Until we meet again.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carmen Cordova; his sons Omero, and Orlando Trejo; and his daughters Olympia, Olga, and Oralia Trejo and their spouses. He also leaves behind his brothers Arturo and Serafin Trejo; as well as 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Modesto and Marcelina Trejo; and his son Omar Trejo.

Mehl's Colonial Chapel has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Published in The Pajaronian · December 18, 2020