Cesar V. Dela Cruz

It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to our beloved father, Cesar Dela Cruz, who peacefully joined our creator April 8, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. He was born on April 5, 1958 in Quezon City, Philippines, to Telesforo and Batis Dela Cruz.

Cesar was a school bus operator and managed the bakery, a business he took over from his late father, Tatay Porong, in the Philippines. His love language was acts of service. What he enjoyed the most was preparing sumptuous meals for his family. He found comfort and fulfillment in the kitchen. In Cesar’s kitchen, every meal was a labor of love. But his love for cooking went beyond the act itself; it was a reflection of his deep devotion to his family. He saw cooking not just as a chore but as a way to show his love and care, ensuring that every meal was a special occasion to be shared and savored together.

He was preceded in death by his father, Telesforo Dela Cruz; father-in-law, Pastor Domingo Sr. and brother, Arnel Dela Cruz.

Cesar is survived by his loving family, wife, Susan Dela Cruz; son, Cesar Jr (Remelyn) Dela Cruz; daughters, Czarine (Alfredo Jr) Mendiola, Bamie (Eduard) Gilman, Arhnelie (Francis) Vergara and Kaye Ann Dela Cruz; grandchildren, Aziel Dela Cruz, Adriel Mendiola, Nylemer Dela Cruz, Kirsten Briana Gilman, Kirk Gilman, Andrea Vergara, Amanda Vergara and Amani Vergara; brother, Antonio (Carolyn) Dela Cruz; sister, Leah Bell (Donald Dzaboff); mother, Batis Dela Cruz; mother-in-law, Remedios Domingo; nephew; Yvan Dela Cruz; nieces; Aleah Bell, Carol Ann (Robert) Waterman, Diandra (Jerrold) McCann, Alyssa (Jaymz) Johnson; grandnieces and grandnephews, Fletcher Waterman, Gwendolyn Waterman, Sydney McCann, Julia McCann and countless relatives and friends.

Though Cesar may no longer grace our kitchen with his presence, his spirit will continue to nourish our souls with the love and warmth he shared through his cooking.

Cesar is resting in Christ’s love, forever remembered and forever loved.

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