Harry Virdon Cress

CRESS, HARRY VIRDON, 87 - of Santa Cruz, CA, passed away July 28, 2008 after a brief illness. Harry was born October 14, 1920 in Philadelphia, Pena, the son of Issac C. Cress and Anna Mae (Hand) Cress. He grew up in Atlantic City, graduated from Atlantic City High School in 1939 and attended Wake Forrest College. Harry served in the Army Air Corps during World War Two in the European Theater. At the age of 23 he participated in eight aerial combat missions. During one aerial mission over Vienna his plane was shot down, he took a blow to the base of his scull and was take prisoner. He was held by the opposing forces as a POW from September 1944 until April 1945 in Stalag 17. It is said that at the time of his liberation, General Patton was in tears due to the extreme and horrific conditions that his American troops had endured. Following his rescue, Harry continued to suffer through most of his life with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. After his military service he returned to Ventnor, New Jersey where he worked for Dorland Advertising most of his adult life. Due to declining health, Harry moved to Santa Cruz in 1991 to live with his daughter Cathy Cress. He was a member of St Josephs Catholic Church and regularly attended Cindy's Celebrations. Harry is survived by his daughter, Cathy Jo Cress of Santa Cruz; four grandchildren, Jill Gallo of Santa Cruz, Kali Cress Peterson of Los Angeles, Kimberly Lucia of Atlantic City, and Chris Cress of Philadelphia, PA; He was a loving great-grandfather to Julia Gallo and Joseph Gallo of Soquel, devoted father-in-law to his son-in-law Pete Peterson. He also had a remarkable and supportive friendship with Daryl Wise his faithful friend. He is also survived by his niece Joy Cress and and two nephews Brad and Gary Cress of Atlantic City. In addition he is survived by his nephew Fred Cress of Absecon. He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Kathleen R. Cress, his son, Harry Steven Cress and his brother Fred W. Cress. Services will be held at St. Josephs Catholic Church, 435 Monterey Ave., Capitola, CA Saturday, August 2, 2008 at 11:00 am. A celebration of his life will be held at noon following the services at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Cathy Cress and Pete Peterson at 1470 Chanticleer, Santa Cruz. A private cremation and interment will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel. In lieu of flowers contributions are preferred to Cindy's Celebrations, P.O. Box 1637, Capitola, CA 95010.