Rolando Toledo Cruz

DURHAM– Rolando “Dodoy” Toledo Cruz, 77, died peacefully in his home on May 23, 2023. He was born on February 16, 1946, to the late Eufemio and Venancia Cruz.

Born in the Philippines, Rolando was the youngest of 7 children. Raised in the town of Bacoor Cavite, he was a member of the Catholic community and was devoted to the Parish patron, St. Michael the Archangel.

He studied and graduated from the Philippine Maritime Institute with a degree in Marine Engineering. He worked as a Seaman machinist with various shipping companies, traveling around the world. He also worked for the Security Department of the Central Bank of the Philippines.

In 1993, he moved to the USA with his wife and children. At which time, he started working for the University of North Carolina Hospitals as a security guard. His one claim to fame was helping deliver a baby at the parking lot of the Emergency Department at UNC Hospital.

In retirement, Rolando enjoyed traveling with his family and spoiling his grandchildren.

Rolando is survived by his wife Lolita; children: Roda and Jaime Vargas, Ronnie, and Rowena; grandchildren: Cristian, Andie, Mateo, and Luis Vargas; nieces and nephews: Baby Lou and Doh Dulay, Nenette Sevilla, Leny Sevilla, May and Jay de Leon, and Micole and Bea Inocencio; grand nieces and nephews: Dominick Dulay, Doreen and Mike Smith, Donnel Dulay, Joshua and Jean Marie de Leon, Jade de Leon, Jacob de Leon, Nikki Inocencio, Kevin Inocencio, Bianca Inocencio, and Brandon Inocencio; great nephews: Neo, Chase, and Caden. Rolando was preceded in death by brothers and sisters: Frank and Celia, Dory and Ding Sevilla, Pat, Chris, Siony, and Nina and Manny Inocencio.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hall-Wynne Funeral Home, 1113 W Main St., Durham, NC 27701.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 920 Carmichael Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.

The Cruz/Vargas family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com – select obituaries.