He grew up and lived most of his younger years in San Jose Nueva Ecija, PI, and finally his family resided in Manila, PI, where he attended the University of the East before being recruited into the United States Navy, at the age of 17, in 1955. Two years in, he volunteered to be on the submarines. After six years of service, he was granted a leave and it was during this time that he saw a young girl through a window and was immediately smitten with love and adoration. After four years of courting Elvira and her family, she finally became his wife, on her birthday summer of 1968. Over the course of 16 years, while traveling various lands and seas, he honed his skills as a culinary steward. And after his final submarine surfaced, Jerry was transferred to Great Lakes , IL, for his last four year assignment, as a dispersing clerk. Upon completion, Jerry and his family retired to Pensacola, FL in the summer of 1977. During his three year vacation, Marcelo practiced and perfected his fishing skills, as well as, found a new hobby of playing tennis. As Jerry’s children got older, got a job at the Post Office (with some of his tennis buddies) as a mail handler. He remained there for the next 20 years and again, Jerry happily retired in 2000. From there, his retirement was enjoyed with his family and friends playing tennis, fishing, traveling, and learning how to be a household handyman. Marcelo is preceded in death by his mother, Contancia Santos Marcelo; father, Melencio P. delaCruz; and sister, Adelaida Peralta. Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Elvira Mina delaCruz; son, Marvie Villorante delaCruz; daughters, Melodee delaCruz Wyatt, Melanie Villorante delaCruz ; granddaughter, Aleina Marie delaCruz; and Marvie’s family- daughter-in-law, Stacy delaCruz , Adriana House- Perkins, Austin House, Tyler Mina delaCruz, & Charlee delaCruz. Melodee’s family- son –in- law, David Wyatt , Taylor Wyatt, Dawson Royce Wyatt, & Simone Diane Wyatt. Melanie’s Family- Aleina Marie delaCruz , Kathan Quidam Brannon, Thalo Marcel Brannon, & Chaz Lyric Brannon.Adelaide’s family- nieces, Jazmin and Melissa; sister, Dr. Melinda Cabugawan, nephews, Noel, Ricardo, Alindo.
Visitation will take place from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Thursday, September 10, 2020 at Oak Lawn Funeral Home. Funeral service will be the following day at 9:30 am on Friday, September 11, 2020 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial will immediately follow with military honors at Barrancas National Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at
www.oaklawnfunerals.com for the delaCruz family.
