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Reynaldo de la Cruz Obituary
Reynaldo de la Cruz, 82, died after a long illness early Saturday morning, January 26, 2008.
He is survived by his seven children: Maria (Frank) Salinas of McAllen; Vince de la Cruz of Worlington, England; Cris (Roberto) Camacho of Marlton, NJ; Lisa (Robert) Larson of McAllen; Marcos de la Cruz of Huntington Beach, CA; Belinda de la Cruz of McAllen; and Johnny (Mari) de la Cruz of McAllen. Also grandchildren, Jeremy (Eboly) and Anthony Salinas; Cristina "the baby" (Chris) Gonzalez; and Alex and Amy Camacho. He is survived by three sisters, Beatriz Garza of Mercedes, Oralia de la Cruz of Mercedes, and Ninfa Zuniga of San Antonio; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Rey was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Mary Beth (Wolters) de la Cruz; and his brother, Gilberto "Beto" de la Cruz.
Rey was born Sept. 30, 1925, in Mercedes, Texas, the fourth of five children to Vicente and Candelaria de la Cruz. He received his bachelors degree in Education from the University of Texas, obtained his first teaching job at Mercedes Junior High School where he also coached football for his beloved Mercedes Tigers. He was selected to teach overseas for the Department of Defense and relocated to Japan. There he met his future wife, Mary Beth Wolters, who was also teaching overseas. They married and remained in Japan for three years, then transferred to Okinawa for the next twelve years. All seven children were born in the Far East. In 1969 Rey accepted a teaching position in England where the family lived for the next eighteen years. In addition to teaching Spanish and Biology at Lakenheath High School, Rey supplemented his income coaching the football and soccer teams and teaching evening college courses for the University of Maryland European Division. On alternate summers he and his wife would pack up the kids and spend a few weeks in the States with family and friends, mainly in Texas and Kansas. There were also many camping trips and sights to see around the United Kingdom and Europe. Rey obtained a Masters Degree in Spanish language and literature during this time, reluctantly attending a few courses in Spain, but always keeping in touch with beautifully written letters to his wife and family.
In 1987 Rey retired after 30 years teaching for the Department of Defense and settled in McAllen.
In addition to being a strong and loving family man, Rey was an avid golfer, with an 8-handicap on his best days, and taught all three sons the sport. He loved to read, especially books by Spanish authors, and took great pleasure in music, a love which he and his wife passed on to their children and grandchildren. Until the effects of Parkinson's Disease became too debilitating, Rey was active and fit.
He valued and maintained close contact with his childhood friends and longtime colleagues over the years.
The family would like to thank Lucille Cavazos and the entire staff of Waterford Gardens and Beyamar Hospice.
A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, January 29, 2008, at Kreidler Funeral Home in McAllen. The memorial Mass will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 30, 2008, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in McAllen.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to "Recycled Rovers and Friends" at 302 El Dora, Donna, TX 78537, or the Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Foundation.
Kreidler Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of local arrangements.
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Memories and Condolences
for Reynaldo de la Cruz
David Minch
January 24, 2009
Senor de la Cruz was one of my Spanish teachers at Lakenheath High School. He was a wonderful teacher and a good example to all of his students of what a person should be.
I went on a trip to Spain with the Spanish classes where he was the chaparone, and I have fond memories of that trip.
I know that although Senor de la Cruz has passed on from this life, that his eternal spirit lives on, and that when we pass from this life we will once again be acquainted with him, and enjoy our association.
Kelly Russell
February 6, 2008
I was lucky enough to have Mr. de la Cruz for three years. My favorite memory of him is seeing him laugh in class as he recounted what happened on Faulty Towers the night before. He was an excellent teacher, and living in southern California I use Spanish all the time. My prayers and best wishes to all the family.
Sharon Ireland-Burke
February 5, 2008
Senor de la Cruz was quick to figure out that I had learned another Latin language as a child and he quickly moved me into Independent Study in the language lab at Lakenheath. I will never forget his gentle way of inspiring us to do better and his dry wit in response to our efforts! The trip to Spain when he and Senor Hopkins chaperoned us remains a highlight of my Lakenheath days. Maria--mi amiga--I am so sorry for your loss. My own father is currently on hospice and the same age your Dad was... Your Dad will live on in each and every Lancer he taught whenever we utter a word of Espanol! ~~Sharon Ireland-Burke, LHS '74
Margo Leslie
February 4, 2008
I share your sadness and hope that the wonderful memories of your father will help you as you grieve his loss. Both of your parents will be fondly remembered from our time together at Lakenheath. DODDS frienships will never be forgotten. Margo(Gil) Leslie
February 4, 2008
Our sincere condolences to all the DelaCruz family!
Bob & Jo Anne Vansuch
Bob Dahlgren
February 4, 2008
My sincere condolences to all in the De la Cruz family - I was greatly saddened to hear of your father's death this week. I have many fond memories of Senor De la Cruz from my time at Lakenheath High School, including his inspiring leadership with the JV soccer team, which he would lead out on to the field with a stirring, "Uno, dos, tres!" He was a great guy and will be missed.
Margi Geaney Felkay
February 3, 2008
I never had the pleasure of bing in Sr. de la Cruz' classroom. But I have learned much from him through his influence in his children and the many students graced by his teaching. My sincere sympathy and prayers go out to the family and friends in their time of loss.
Margi Geaney Felkay
Steve Obrenovich
February 3, 2008
We were sad to hear the news. Although I did not work at the same school I had met and talked with Rey at various functions. He was always the gentleman. Our prayers to Vince and the other members of his family.
Emily Dahlgren
February 3, 2008
Wayne and I send our warm loving thoughts and deep sympathy to all the de la Cruz family. It was our pleasure and our privilege to know all the family in our years at Lakenheath. Rey and Mary Beth were a joy to know. You could not be in their company long without learning something from them. They were born teachers! We will miss them lots! Much love, Em and Wayne
Anthony Cannady
February 2, 2008
Our heart felt condolences go out to your family for the loss of your father Lisa. You Dad certainly touched lives of many students at Lakenheath High. I only wish that I could some how convey to you how much we all truely care for you and your family... Much love always
Craig Hess
February 2, 2008
I will always remember Sr De la Cruz as one on my favorite teachers at Lakenheath. He had a great manner of teaching. And although it's been awhile (1981), if memory serves me, his class was actually one of the more fun classes to be in. And at the end of the day, isn't that what it's all about...Learn something AND enjoy the journey? It's certainly the case for most high schoolers.
Sr De la Cruz was was a great teacher and positively touched a great many lives. He will be missed. My condolences and best wishes to his family.
Ernie and Marge Dosedel
February 1, 2008
We were greatly saddened by the death of Rey de la Cruz.
We worked and traveled with Rey and Mary Beth from the 1970's and we always enjoyed their company.
We have wonderful memories of them and their family which will live with us forever.
May God bless them and their family.
Paul McCulloh
February 1, 2008
My prayers and best wishes to you all. Your Dad was one of the best. His many kind and gentle words will never be forgotten. P.A. Mc Culloh
Sharon and Gordon Albert
February 1, 2008
To all the children.
Please accept our heartfelt condolances. Rey was a good friend and outstanding teacher. He was one of the most gentle and kind people we have ever known. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult tme. God Bless!
Dean Baines
February 1, 2008
Our prayers and support and condolences go out to Lisa and her family for their loss. Mr. De la Cruz was an outstanding man that helped so many of us develop into the men and women that we are today. And for that we can only say thank you for touching our lives. We can be comforted in knowing that he is finally out of pain as he sits next to God on his throne. Lisa please know that your Lakenheath family is here for you and your family.
Dean Baines
February 1, 2008
Our prayers and support and condolences go out to Lisa and her family for their loss. Mr. De la Cruz is and was an outstanding man that helped so many of us develop into the men and women that we are today. And for that we can only say thank you for touching our lives. We can be comforted in knowing that he is finally out of pain as he sits next to God on his throne. Lisa please know that your Lakenheath family is her for you and your family.
Dan Cano
January 31, 2008
La Familia De La Cruz:
Please accept our deepest sympathies. our heart, thoughts and prayers are with You on the loss of your love one.
Rey (Los tres Reyes), we go back to our childhood days and High School in Mercedes. La Palomia of North Texas, the Garcia's,Hinojosa's,Garza's,De Leon's,Zamora's,Saenz's(fam.)
Then on 11-42 I join the Navy retuning back on 12-45 for a short visit. I return back to California where my family had relocated in 1943.
In 2002 i attended my cousins funeral in Relampago. Amado Garcia contacted Rey and we reunited at Rene's home for a short visit after 60 years. I have photos of the group, Rey,Mary,Beth,Rene,Belia,Amado and my self.Your are welcome to the copies,contact me @ my e-mail address.
Ninfa my condolences on your great loss.
Dan Cano Sanger, California
Cathy Hillman
January 30, 2008
Please know that our hearts and prayers go out to all the family on this sad day. I never had the pleasure of taking Spanish but remember vividly Mr. de la Cruz standing in the doorway of his classrom ushering in his students as I rushed into French class. He is now at peace and with your Mom.
Mason Wiggins
January 30, 2008
Señor de la Cruz was a wonderful teacher and great guy. I really enjoyed my Spanish classes with him - even when we had to stand in front of the class with no notes and talk about something! My sympathy to his entire family, but especially to Maria, Vince, Cris and Lisa whom I remember well. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mason Wiggins LHS '75
Lee Herrera
January 30, 2008
To my best friend Lisa - my heart goes out to you and your family at the loss of your Dad. I know how much you'll miss him. I remember as a young girl growing up in England. Lots of memories! Love always, Lee xoxo
Kathleen Rouse - Evans
January 30, 2008
I did not know Reynaldo de la Cruz personally myself but I remember Lisa, and I will keep you in my prayers that you may find some comfort in the years ahead.
Tracey Viets-Olson
January 30, 2008
I have such fond memories of Sr. de la Cruz teaching me Spanish at Lakenheath. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Please know that he left imprints on all of us, and we remember him fondly.
Steven Sanabria
January 30, 2008
Sr. dela Cruz was my Spanish teacher in H.S. and was a tremendous blessing to me in my life. I can still remember walking into class and being stunned that there would be no English spoken! I couldn't understand how we would be able to learn without an explanation of terms and words. However, through his kind patience and excellent teaching skills, it became clear that we could do it. I got the "fire" to learn the language from him and the lessons were planted so deep that I still use Spanish to this day in my ministry. I can preach and teach in Spanish because of Sr. delaCruz. For that, I am eternally grateful. As a legacy to Sr. dela Cruz, please know that everyone who hears me speak to them hears the voice of your dear father. I won't forget his gift to me.
I will pray for your family and hope you accept my condolences. Your father was a wonderful man.
January 30, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jeanine Krenz
January 29, 2008
Senor de la Cruz was my high school Spanish teacher in Lakenheath, England in the 1970's... but I also know his children, and consequently what a devoted and wonderful father he was! I remained in contact with him, through Lisa, for over 30 years since I graduated and will always remember him with fondness. Sr. de la Cruz, vaya con Dios; echare' de menos...
John C Cantu
January 28, 2008
Rey: I will always remember you and
the guys from Mercedes at the HA
house - Kiko, Lionel, Nito and
Herbie de Leon.
God bless you and your family!
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