Harvey Dela Cruz

Harvey Dela Cruz (77), a resident of Ceres, California, passed away peacefully on December 1st, 2023, after a sudden decline in health. He entered the gates of Heaven, leaving behind a legacy of love and service. Born on April 1st, 1946, in Calexico, California, to Paula and Emilio Dela Cruz, Harvey spent his formative years in Delhi. He graduated from Livingston High School, where he proudly played on the varsity football and baseball teams. Following graduation, he furthered his education at Stanislaus State University (formerly Turkey Tech), earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences. Driven by a passion for community service, Harvey dedicated his life to helping others in need. Stanislaus County awarded him the title of Community Leader of the year from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 1999. Before entering the workforce, Harvey served his country with honor during the Vietnam War. Upon returning home, he continued his commitment to public service as the Stanislaus County Director of the Central Valley of Opportunity Center (CVOC). There, he made a profound impact on countless lives, helping individuals improve their careers and build stronger families. Notably, it was at CVOC in 1993 that Harvey and Guillermina Dela Cruz began their professional relationship, which blossomed into a loving partnership. They married on December 8th, 2003, in Atwater, California. Through this union, Harvey embraced the role of father to Roberto and Fernando Vargas. Retirement arrived in 2004, allowing Harvey to spend more time with his cherished family and friends. He was an avid sports fan, rarely missing a game of his beloved San Francisco 49ers and Giants. But beyond sports, Harvey's greatest joy was food. He not only filled plates with delicious meals, but also filled hearts with warmth, love, and unforgettable memories. His unique spirit and generous nature continue to warm the hearts of all who knew him, even in his absence. Harvey Dela Cruz is survived by his beloved wife, Guillermina Dela Cruz, and sons, Roberto Vargas and Fernando Vargas, along with their children, Liam Vargas and Camila Vargas, respectively. He leaves behind his cherished mother, Paula Dela Cruz, and his loving siblings: brothers, Joe Dela Cruz and Mike Dela Cruz, and sisters, Barbara Parrish, Kathy Espinoza, and Eleanor Dela Cruz Bache. Harvey will be deeply missed by his family, friends, many nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 9am at Turlock Memorial Park and Funeral Home, followed by Rosary and Mass at The Sacred Heart Parish. The addresses are as follows: Turlock Memorial Park and Funeral Home: 575 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock, CA 95380 The Sacred Heart Parish: 1301 Cooper Ave, Turlock, CA 95380 In lieu of flowers, financial contributions/donations can be made in memory of Harvey DelaCruz to the CVOC Scholarship Fund by donating directly to their Wells Fargo account number: 503992596 or a mailed check to CVOC Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1389, Winton, CA 95388. This organization supports underrepresented agricultural members of the community, a cause close to Harvey's heart.

Tributes

Harvey Dela Cruz

April 1, 1946 - December 1, 2023