A devoted husband and father, Robert De La Cruz passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 2, 2016, in the loving care of family members and the nurturing staff of Brazos Valley Hospice. He was 63 years old.

Befitting his love for others, Robert was born here in Bryan on Valentine's Day (February 14, 1953), and he never wanted to live anywhere else. He was the youngest son of Louis De La Cruz Sr. and Basilia Sustaita De La Cruz-head chef at Ramada Inn and a homemaker, respectively-whose children included Louis De La Cruz Jr. (and wife Olga), Jesse De La Cruz (and wife Mary Grimaldo De La Cruz), John De La Cruz and Rosalie Rojo. In his youth, Robert's asthma kept him from full activity when it came to sports, although he somehow managed a good game of baseball. Thus, instead of becoming an exceptional athlete, Robert grew into the role of greatest sports fan in the Brazos Valley, especially when it came to football, baseball and basketball (it didn't matter if Bryan High or the Aggies or the Dallas Cowboys were playing-as long as there was a game on, Robert was rooting for someone). He also had a lifelong passion for Tejano music, finding a place for himself in a local band as a drummer at a younger age. Robert graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1971, a member of that school's final graduating class.

Once he had earned his diploma, Robert was anxious to find local work. He immediately found a job with Terminix as an Exterminator, which position he would hold for the next 44 years, ever loyal to those who treated him so well and valued his ability to work hard, day after day. One person who especially appreciated Robert's work ethic was the love of his lifetime, Olivia Ybarra De La Cruz, who married him in 1999. They had been friends in high school but never spoke much because Robert was nervous about approaching such a beautiful girl. Much later, at one of Olivia's birthday parties, the couple reconnected and fell in love, at first sight. Their family included three children: Moses Sustaita, Christopher T. Casares (and wife Rosemary), Virginia Sustaita (and husband Gilbert Gutierrez).

In loving and living with Olivia and their children, Robert found fulfillment as a doting family man. He loved to take Olivia dancing-especially when the evening included a performance by one of his favorite Tejano bands-and simply spending time with "la familia." Of course, he stayed interested in sports and often took his children and grandchildren to watch games at Bryan High or TAMU (his favorite colors, after all, were royal blue and maroon). He also had a passion for lowrider cars and enjoyed collecting the models he saw featured at local car shows. Robert also devoted his time to Christian service as a parishioner of Santa Teresa Catholic Church. One of his children notes: "His faith was strong until his death. He also knew that his spirit would live forever. He felt God around him all the time."

Robert never ventured too far from the people and places he loved. His favorite destinations included simple pleasures, like exploring the Riverwalk Market in San Antonio or visiting family in Houston; he enjoyed spending Saturdays at las pulgas (flea markets). He traveled as widely as Fort Worth, Dallas and Galveston, never staying away from home for very long. He knew that life was best here in Bryan, with those he loved most.

Remembering Robert now are his devoted wife of sixteen years, Olivia, along with their three children and their spouses, Christopher & Rosemary Casares, Virginia Sustaita & Gilbert Gutierrez, and Moses Sustaita. Robert's beloved grandchildren are also mourning his loss: Christopher Eric Pete Casares, Ciera-Rose Amina Casares, Devin Taylor Sustaita, Rachel Simone Sustaita, Alisha Aorura Sustaita, Alan Mical Sustaita, Serenity Juanita Sustaita and Anthony Gutierrez. They are joined by nieces, nephews and a host of loving, extended family members and friends who fondly remember this caring and generous man.

Family and friends will gather to honor and celebrate Robert's life on Thursday, June 9, 2016 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM at Hillier Funeral Home of Bryan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Friday, June 10, 2016 at Santa Teresa Catholic Church with interment to follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the De La Cruz family requests that donations be made in Robert's memory to Hospice Brazos Valley, and they are grateful to nurses Casey Holden and Janette Discher for their enduring care and support. Please visit Robert's tribute page at www.hillierfuneralhome.com to share stories and memories.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Bryan-College Station Eagle on Jun. 8, 2016.