Jerry Raymond De La Cruz

Jerry Raymond De La Cruz of Palm Desert, California, died 16 July 2020 at the age of 75 years. Jerry was born in Los Angeles, California.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Kay VanZandt; his daughter, Michele De La Cruz – Brown; his son-in-law, David Brown; his grandchildren, Joshua Barajas, Isaac Barajas, Joseph Barajas, and Jackson Brown; his sister, Rosemarie Sweet; and his brother, Benny De La Cruz.

In Jerry’s younger days, he spent much of his life having adventures with his family. He proudly served in the United States ARMY. He went on to have a 20-year career as a computer programmer for Lockheed Martin. Jerry had a love of dirt bike riding with his brothers Billy and Benny. As he became a family man, much of his days were spent camping, sailing, riding all-terrain vehicles, snow skiing, and jet skiing. His daughter, Michele, was his partner in crime through all these many adventures.

One of his favorite activities was for he and Kay to take his grandsons, Joshua, Isaac, and Joseph, on camping trips. They traveled much of the western United States in Grandpa’s motorhome. He was a secret artist that would take time to draw cartoon characters of family members on birthday cards. His pictures were never that great, but the sentiment was beyond what words could convey.

Many of his other happy times were with his many nieces and nephews. Jerry loved his family beyond measure and time spent with them was a gift. His best friend was his brother, Benny. He and Kay would travel frequently to be with Benny and his wife, Judy in New Mexico. Jerry had many adventures, but he was also a simple man. He loved John Denver, Neil Diamond, the Bangles, John Wayne, and fixing anything he could with duct tape, masking tape, or WD-40. He even recently began target shooting.

Jerry was a man with an unbelievable sense of humor. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was an inspirational role model on how to be an honest and good man and he defined the term “unconditional love.” He was generous of himself in every way with everyone he knew. His thoughts and actions were always for others, and his family always came first. He will be missed beyond measure by his family, friends, and all who knew him.