Danny Dela Cruz Labrador Sr.

Our beloved father and grandfather Danny Dela Cruz Labrador, Sr., of San Jose, California, passed away on January 2, 2021 after reaching the age of 95 years old. After complications from Covid pneumonia, he died peacefully as he was watched virtually by family comforting him and saying their last goodbyes.

Danny was born in San Felipe, Zambales, Philippines on December 22, 1925.

He was married to his beloved Lucila (you probably knew her as Lucy) on December 4, 1949 for 64 years.

A U.S. Navy veteran and recipient of an Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, a WWII Victory Medal, a Korean Service Medal, a China Service Medal, a United Nations Service Medal, a 2nd Award National Defense Service Medal and a 7th Award Good Conduct Medal. He served in the Navy for over 25 years and was discharged honorably at the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

Danny was remembered as the master chef in the kitchen, specializing in serving family and friends his mouth-watering fried chicken. Danny is remembered by his grandson, Aric Engkabo, as a jack of all trades. Grandpa was the man who could do anything; from cutting hair, to fixing cars, to repairs around the house. He was the go-to guy. Aric’s fondest memories were spent with his grandpa Danny and grandma Lucy during his summertime school breaks. He would spoil Aric with a daily plethora of food to ensure he would never starve. He would take Aric fishing along the beautiful ocean sides of southern California and would travel every day to Moorpark so Aric could spend time with his cousins. Grandpa had a green thumb for gardening. His backyard was full of plants, vegetables and seemed larger than life itself. Grandpa instilled many of his military ways in his family. He taught Aric how to properly iron his clothes for any occasion. Prior to attending Sunday church services, he would ensure Aric’s pants and shirts were creased so sharp that you literally could cut yourself. Aric remembers grandpa always telling him “you always have to look sharp!” Aric’s memories of his grandpa go on and on. He will always be remembered by Aric as the provider who loved his family and friends beyond measure. He will truly be missed. “Until we meet again grandpa, enjoy paradise with grandma, I love you.” – Aric Engkabo

“Grandpa Danny was the man at all my graduations. As sad as I am that he is no longer with us, I am so proud to be a part of his family. He loved me so much and always supported me. I can't be any luckier that I have an extended family because of him; and that through his love has become my immediate family. I love him so, so much.” – Catherine Fontecha

"I am going to miss grandpa's cooking. He always made sure the family was well fed including the family pets. I know grandpa is happy to be with grandma now. I love you and miss you, grandpa." – Scott Yamada

“My memories of my grandfather are fond. For the first decade of my life, he has always given his love and affection since the day I was born. I always heard stories about Lolo feeding me a five course meal at the age of four, cutting my hair in the garage of his old Oxnard home, and coming to take care of my sister and me when my parents went to work, etc. He always showed compassion for Lola. He never wavered especially when times got hard and he always tried to make the most of it. Lolo was a family man and cared about everybody’s well-being and success. He would repeat things every time he visited and he would say, “stay in school” or “do good in school.” In retrospect, it would always be followed with “I love you.” He always meant what he said and he would reward us whenever my sister and I got an “A” on a subject in school. This conducts the most significant memory I had with him. While in his old age when Lolo was living in San Jose with Aunties Lerma and Tessie, they had asked me to cut his hair. While doing so, I recalled from a while ago that he had a soft spot in his heart for Elvis Presely and Frank Sinatra’s music and I decided to play the music from my phone. He knew the melodies and was also singing along to “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” and “Strangers in the Night.” As I grew older, Lolo would stop referring to me as his grandson, but as his big boy. He was aware that we were all changing and took that into account of wanting to keep in touch all the time. He always called first and always picked up the phone when we called him. His biggest lessons to me were to stay in school and tell me that he always loved me no matter what. Being young and naive, I took these for granted because I always said it back, but just because it was the right thing to say. There was no feeling involved and I never got the chance to tell him up until his death bed when I truly meant it. I did not say it enough from before, and after you said it to me and truly meaning it for the twenty years you were there for my life; I love you, Lolo. I hope you and Lola will always watch over me.” – Niko Labrador

“Although I do not have as many memories as I’d hope to have with my Lolo, I definitely have the most memorable experiences with him that will last a lifetime. Since I was born, Lolo was there for me, cared for me, and showed his unconditional love in many different ways. In the morning when Lolo would get ready in my bathroom, I sometimes sat on the toilet and watched him comb his hair with his thin black comb and wondered how he could smell so good. I decided that I wanted a comb just like his because I was always astonished by it. When my friends came over, Lolo would cook us food, and always asked if we were hungry. I remember when my friend and I attempted to make a smoothie, it tasted terrible, but Lolo told me that he could fix it to make it taste much better. When Lolo and Lola would leave from their visit, they would always tell me to eat my sausages because it would help my brain and make me smarter. I also remember when Lolo was driving me home from my gymnastics practice. I was taking a nap, but woke up. My Lolo and I were lost in a parking lot. We drove in the same parking lot multiple times and I realized that we were driving in circles. Somehow, we ended up in a cornfield, then in downtown Brentwood. I finally told Lolo where to go, so he finally listened. I remember him staying at my home and he would always call the advertisements from the TV; and somehow he would always try to buy pans. However, my dad would always end up taking the phone away from him because Lolo would be spending money on things he didn’t need. Even though Lolo started to lose his mobility of walking around, he certainly didn’t lose his memory of his life and the people he loved. Almost every other weekend, my parents, my brother, and I would bring Lolo food on Sundays when we were not busy. When Lolo called, he would always ask us when we would visit him again, and so we tried to visit him as much as we could. Lolo would always look so happy to see us and so sad to see us go. I will never forget the day when I was able to have a deep conversation with my Lolo. He told me about his life in the military and many other memories of his early life. On his birthday, I remember dancing to music with Lolo. Lolo always loved to listen to music and I always enjoyed listening to the hums that he sang. He held my hands and we were both laughing even though Lolo couldn’t dance on his two feet. Lolo was the most stubborn person I knew, but he certainly had the biggest heart a person could ask for. I will never forget the smile he always had on his face when he got to see the people that he loved, and I will never forget when he would say “you are not a child anymore, you are my dalaga.” I love you, Lolo; and I know that you are finally at your happiest with Lola in heaven. Until I can finally hold your hand again Lolo, I hope you are listening to music and dancing with Lola. I love you and miss you.” – Emily Labrador

Danny is survived by his children Lerma Burton, Rosemary Engkabo, Theresita Labrador, Dornalyn Yamada & her husband, Ryan Yamada, Danny Labrador, Jr. & his wife, Teresa Labrador; and by his nephew, Dr. Ernesto Fontecha & his wife, Carolina Fontecha. He is a proud grandfather to Aric Engkabo & his wife, Rhea Engkabo, Scott Yamada, Niko Labrador, Emily Labrador, Dr. Catherine Fontecha, Dr. Ernest Fontecha & his wife, Mo Fontecha, and Cheryl Pavia & her husband, Paulo Pavia. He cherished his role as great-grandfather to Lukas Nunez, Lana Nunez, and Leia Nunez, Sage Pavia, Phoenix Pavia, and Ivy Pavia. Danny is also survived by his sisters Jovellana Labrador Aquino and Cecilia Labrador Calicdan. He is fondly remembered by many relatives and friends.

Danny is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lucila Fajotina Labrador, passed away on November 24, 2013.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private funeral service will be attended by immediate family only on February 12, 2021 at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Father Celso Singson of Holy Family Parish will be officiating. Inurnment will follow the funeral service at Oak Hill Memorial Park Mausoleum. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Oak Hill Funeral Home in San Jose, California.

The family of Danny wishes to thank all family relatives and friends for your loving support. He will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.