Emmer Dizon dela Cruz

Emmer Dizon dela Cruz, at 90 years old, passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at around 10:30 pm in San Jose, California. He was born on February 20, 1934 in Mabalacat, Pampanga, Philippines to Diosdado and Roberta dela Cruz. He had a twin sister, Nimia dela Cruz Ignacio, and three (3) other siblings, Edmundo dela Cruz, Noemi dela Cruz Teodoro and Merle dela Cruz.

Emmer is survived by his loving children: Menon (Dee), Marie (Roquel), Manolo (Boy), Mabel (Dobbs) and Michael James (MJ); son-in-law, Carlos Hernandez; daughters-in-law: Eileen dela Cruz, Gemma dela Cruz and Lynli dela Cruz; grandchildren: Gabriel Perez, Yasmine Hernandez, Rainna Hernandez, Dustin Hernandez, Vannesa Hernandez, Jerell dela Cruz, William Emmer dela Cruz, Jaden dela Cruz, Noah dela Cruz, Lance dela Cruz, Jillian Esmyrna dela Cruz, and Alissa dela Cruz; grandchildren-in-law: Amanda Perez, Michelle dela Cruz, Jackie dela Cruz and Dean Rodriguez, Jr.; great-grandchildren: Jenna dela Cruz, Sophia dela Cruz, and Tatum Perez; sisters: Noemi and Merle; and many other loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandniece, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. His beloved wife, the love of his life, Esmyrna (Myrna) Soriano dela Cruz, passed away on August 19, 2019.

Emmer and Myrna were married on December 8, 1957. They started dating in college but actually knew each other since the 3rd grade. Married for 61 years, they were the greatest example of true love, unconditional love, honor, dedication, respect and commitment. As a testament to their undying love for each other, they renewed their vows and celebrated their love on their 25th, 40th, 50th and 60th wedding anniversaries with grand style among family and friends.

Emmer received his high school diploma in 1951 from the prestigious Ateneo de Manila High School in Manila, Philippines and then graduated from Mapua Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He started his civil engineering career working at Clark Air Base in Angeles City, Pampanga and then owned a construction business before migrating to the United States of America.

Already married with four (4) children, Emmer came to America, alone, as a tourist in 1966. He stopped over in San Francisco, California on his way to Canada but turns out he would never make it to Canada and ended up building a life in the Bay Area. With the help of a good friend, he was fortunate to find work with a well renowned engineering firm, Metcalf & Eddy, in Palo Alto. This company valued his work so much that they would later sponsor him to achieve his immigrant status which opened the door for the rest of his family to join him. By 1969 the family would be together again. Emmer remained loyal to this company for over 40 years which included projects in Guam, Truk Island and Saudi Arabia. He paved the way and, through his hard work, was able to provide a life full of opportunities for his family.

Emmer was not only dedicated to his family but also very dedicated to his community. He was very active and highly regarded in many associations including the Philippine Professional and Business Society of Santa Clara Valley (PPBS), the Maharlika Lions Club, the Cursillistas, the Mabalacat Association, and the Knights of Columbus. He was also a dedicated member of the St. Victor Catholic Church where he served as an usher and altar server. Emmer loved to dance, especially with his beloved wife, Myrna. He also loved to cook and entertain for family and friends. Sports was also a big part of his life. He played basketball, loved the Golden State Warriors, and there was a time when he played in bowling tournaments too.

Emmer lived a wonderful and meaningful life and now joins his beloved wife, Esmyrna; baby daughters: Marife and Malou; parents, Diosdado and Roberta dela Cruz; twin sister, Nimia dela Cruz Ignacio, and younger brother, Edmundo dela Cruz; father-in-law, Raymundo Soriano; mother-in-law, Remigia Soriano; brothers-in-law: Conrado Ignacio, Luis Diaz, and Edilberto “Ben” Rivera Galang; sisters-in-law: Benjamina Diaz and Angela Rivera; and baby grandson, Anthony Joseph dela Cruz Hernandez.