Jesse Espino Dela Cruz

Jesse E. Dela Cruz was born on June 30,1956 in Calipahan, Philippines. Born to Juanito and Mila, he is the 8th child of 12. Jesse was blessed with a large and loving family. He married the love of his life Alicia on December 27, 1981. Together they have three children and one granddaughter.

This past December, Jesse “the Iceman” retired from AC Transit after 40 years of service. Whilst there he strived to be the best and competed in Bus Rodeo's. Among his many accomplishments Jesse was an 18 time Local Bus Rodeo winner and went on to represent AC Transit in 16 International Bus Rodeo competitions. He was crowned International Bus Rodeo Operator Champion in 1999, 2000 and 2008. Jesse was a member of 6 Grand Champion Teams, the last one being in 2019.

Jesse was part of San Leandro Masonic Lodge No. 113 starting in 2006. He served as Master in 2014 and as an Officer's Coach from 2018-2019. He also served as Eminent Commander of California Commandery No.1, Knights Templar in 2017 and Illustrious Master of California Council No. 2 Cryptic Masons in 2019. Jesse has made many invaluable friends amongst his Brethren.

Jesse was an outgoing, joyful man that was always quick to smile and share a thumbs up or shaka. He was the bridge that brought together many families and friends and founded some of our most cherished family traditions. He was smart and a problem solver, using his hands to renovate houses and build anything he put his mind to. He loved to travel the world and see new places, while also revisiting his favorite locations like Hawaii. His favorite pastimes were home improvement projects, shopping for deals, taking his daily nap, researching his next vacation, playing mah jongg and spending time with his wife, family and friends.

Jesse is survived by his wife Alicia, daughter Nicole, two sons Ryan and Jonaz, daughter-in-law Shine, and grandchildren Skylar and AJ. There were also many that looked to him as a father figure. He leaves behind his 9 siblings, 2 brothers and 7 sisters. Jesse will be dearly missed by his loved ones.

Jesse grabbed the opportunities that life presented to him. When he decided on a goal he was very disciplined in pursuing it, whether it be the bus rodeo champion or working 40 years or becoming the Master or traveling to every continent. He was passionate about life and his goals. His time here was cut short but he made the most of it, living life to the fullest.