Gaudencio Fajardo Delacruz

Gaudencio (aka “Denny”, “Godie”) Fajardo Delacruz was a caring and devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He was born to Pedro Cuevas DelaCruz and Celestina Hernandez Fajardo on February 12 circa 1944 in Las Piñas, Philippines. When Godie was 16 years old, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for 6 years. While stationed in Europe, Godie learned multiple languages. He was a polyglot who learned conversational, Portuguese, German, Russian, and spoke fluent Tagalog, English, Italian, and Spanish after his military career ended. He returned to the US in August 1976, where he attended San Jose State University to obtain his bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. Godie used his degree in his career as a prototype programmer and machinist.

Years later he was introduced to Luzminda Salido, and together they had a whirlwind courtship. Together, they had 2 children- Melanie and Dennis Rafael (aka “Rafael” or “Rael”). The family settled in San Jose, California, where he was the primary breadwinner. One can say that, when reflecting on his life, Godie truly achieved the American Dream- he obtained higher education, bought a house, established his self-employed business, and made a beautiful family.

Godie was an avid chess player and competed in numerous tournaments. He had reached National Master level in his chess career. These games would last hours, even days, to finish. Eventually Godie introduced chess to his daughter Melanie and enrolled her to compete in a multiple of local competitions. He started a chess club at her elementary school, led their practice sessions, and took the team to local tournaments. Godie also offered private chess-tutoring to the club members and to friends of family at their home. When he retired from his machinist career, Godie continued to offer chess lessons and played recreationally in local chess clubs and in online platforms.

Godie also loved painting and displayed many pieces in the family’s home over the years. After retirement, he started teaching drawing and painting skills to his son Rael, who quickly became his prodigy. For the last few years, Rael and Godie would work side by side in their little back-yard art-station. In December 2024, Godie helped Rael set up a vendor table at a local arts-fair to display and sell his paintings. It was one of Godie’s and Rael’s fondest accomplishments and memories.

Gaudencio began his final game on January 9, 2026. It was a multiple-day battle against esophageal cancer and a severe infection. He fought a valiant fight until the last second and passed away on January 14, 2026, with his wife, son, and daughter by his side. Gaudencio is survived by his wife, his children, his “grand-dog”, two of his sisters Estelita and Victoria, his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, and a multitude of nieces and nephews and their children in the Philippines and in the USA. His legacy will be remembered by his family, dear friends, and those he touched during his lifetime.