Nicolas P. Cruz

Nicolas P. Cruz, with a heavy heart, passed away on September 16th, 2022 after a long battle against Pancreatic Cancer. He just recently celebrated his 68th birthday.

He was born and raised in Nueva Ecija, Philippines on September 10, 1954. He was very studious, he became Valedictorian of his class from grade school through high school for scholastic achievements and studied at University of the Philippines to become a Civil and Mechanical Engineer. He got his first engineering job in the Philippines, which sponsored him to move to the United States to receive his Master's degree. From there he attended University of Minnesota to extend his academics and where he met the love of his life, Menchie Lagarile. After graduating, he was hired by Glendale Water & Power in California where he relocated with Menchie, to start and support their family. He served as an engineer for 27 years at GWP and then 5 years at the U.S. Department of Transportation, retired in 2020.

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Menchie Cruz and his two daughters, Tiffany Cruz and Carissa Cruz-Gsell; and one grandson, Orion; his cousins Elpha Destura and Noemi Pestaño, whom he was very close to. In addition, family members in the Philippines, his father, 93, Victorino Dela Cruz Sr, and siblings Aurora Tabaquero, Victorino Dela Cruz Jr.; and half-siblings Boyet Dela Cruz and Marivic Cabrera. He was predeceased by his mother Felisa Pestaño Cruz, close aunt Benedicta Pestaño and uncle Reynaldo Pestaño.

The viewing will take place at Faith Chapel at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn (6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles) on Saturday, October 8th from 9AM to 8PM. Please join us in celebrating his life Monday, October 10th, 10AM at St Finbar Catholic Church at (2010 W Olive Ave, Burbank) and shortly following the service he will be laid to rest at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn approx. 11:30AM. After the ceremony we'll have refreshments available at Vegas Seafood Buffet (110 S Brand Blvd, Glendale).

While flowers are beautiful and greatly appreciated, a more long-term honorary donation to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network could be made to further Nick's battle.