Alfred A. De La Cruz

Alfredo Antonio De La Cruz Jr., who was commonly referred to as Mr. D, was called home to be with God and his wife on March 31, 2016. He spent his last hours in his home in San Antonio, Texas surrounded by family and loved ones, as he desired. Smart, funny and outgoing, Alfred never met a stranger. He would often be found in restaurants having coffee with people unknown, who had suddenly become dear friends. Alfred was the first Hispanic to graduate from Harlandale High School in 1938. He was subsequently accepted into Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, but when he determined that a Bachelor’s Degree would be followed shortly by a divorce decree, he decided to pursue other career avenues. He was a habitual retiree, having completed multiple careers over the course of his lifetime. His proudest accomplishment was serving his country during World War II as a radio operator and wire chief in the 72nd Signal Company, “Special” seeing service in Africa and Europe. He retired with an Honorable Discharge, having risen to the rank of Staff Sergeant by the end of his tour. Alfred’s post-military careers included chief of quality control in the signal maintenance shop at Fort Sam Houston, a career from which he retired at the young age of 53. Subsequent to his civil service retirement, he opened a plaster shop, which was the 70’s version of the Pinot’s Palette of today. Alfred also opened a real estate business, insurance and an income tax business, which he continued to operate until the day he died. There were rumors he owned an Astro Physics Research Company where he did consulting work for the U.S. Jet Propulsion Labs. We might be mistaken about the Jet Propulsion Job. He was born in San Antonio, Texas to Genoveva and Alfredo De La Cruz on July 10, 1920. He was preceded in death by his parents, Genoveva and Alfredo, his siblings, Enedelia, Carmen, and Angel, and his lovely wife of 67 years, Belia. He left behind his daughter, Dorothy Choice and her companion, Dane Bokenkamp; son, Robert De La Cruz and wife Anna, and son Roland De La Cruz and wife, Belinda. He had 8 grandchildren, Miranda Choice, Deborah Riebe (Neal) , Cynthia and Catherine De La Cruz, Robert, Roland Jr., Alfred and Christopher De La Cruz. He also had 10 great grandchildren, Megan and Alex Riebe, Julie, Katelynn, Brittany, Kara, Isaiah, Jorell, Adrian and Andrea De La Cruz. He left behind the legacy of inspiring people to achieve beyond their limitations and helping those less fortunate than themselves. These legacies will continue through his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday, April 8, 2016 at Trevino Funeral Home, 226 Cupples Rd. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Procession will depart from the funeral home on, Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 7:15 a.m.for an 8:00 a.m. Mass of the Resurrection at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church. Entombment will follow in San Fernando Cemetery No.2. Mausoleum. Memorial Contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society.