Obituary of Philip James Cruz

Philip Cruz, went to join our heavenly father in his kingdom on August 13, 2023, surrounded by his family, joining his children Mathew Cruz and Nicole Cruz-Silvey.
Born in a country home in Escalon, CA on May 1, 1931, to Dionicio and Mercedes Cruz, Philip was the first son after 5 girls and was succeeded by 7 siblings. Philip grew up in Manteca, attending Calla Elementary School and Manteca High School. In 1951 Philip was drafted and joined the Marine Corp to serve in the Korean War. In 1954, after three years of service, Philip retired from the Marine Corps with the rank of Corporal to pursue his aspirations in cargo transport and had a successful career all the way to July of 1976.
In 1973, he met Louella Martinez while she was working at Crocker Bank in Pittsburg, CA where he would do his banking and the rest was history. The couple were married in March of 1974, and resided in Antioch. The couple welcomed their daughter Nicole Delphine Cruz in 1976. In 1978, their son Mathew Philip Cruz was born while they resided in Modesto. In 1985, the Cruz family moved to Acampo, CA where Philip pursued his love of farming on 3 acres of land. Over the years, Philip grew walnuts, grapes, (with a passion for making wine) and grew various kinds of fruit trees. While raising his children in the country Philip was devoted to coaching softball and baseball for both of his children, drawing his passion from his time as the pitcher for the Marine Corps softball team. While sports were important in the household, Philip valued education like no other, always pushing his children to be better than he.
In the last 25 years, after moving to Galt, in 1998, Philip and Louella took the opportunity to see the world, where they traveled to numerous countries and all 50 states. His most honorable venture being an invitation from the Korean government to thank him for his service and dedication to the war efforts during his time as a Marine. Throughout retirement Philip enjoyed attending many Marine Corps reunions and remained an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Galt, where he was commander for 2 years. In addition, Philip served as the Grand Knight of the St. Christopher's Knights of Columbus of which he was a 4th degree member. Philip's free time was interrupted by the welcoming of his first grandson, Brady Stout, in July of 2001, of whom he was so proud to tell everyone that he had a new position as day care provider, then in Feb. 2004 came Devin Stout who he also cared for. In Dec. of 2015, another grandson, Donald Robert Silvey Jr., was born, and without any hesitation he told Nicole he was going to look after him as well. Philip said of the jobs he had in his lifetime the most rewarding one was raising and being a role model for his 3 grandsons.
Philip was truly a man of honor and who always wanted to do the right thing and help others who were struggling. Always loyal to the Marine Corp and so proud to serve his country. Semper Fidelis. His motto was family first.
Philip was preceded in death, by his son Mathew Cruz, Daughter Nicole Cruz-Silvey, parents Dionicio Cruz, Mercedes (Trejo) Cruz, sisters, Delphina Cruz, Ann Espinosa, Pauline Cortez, Cruzita Ybarra, Lupe Calderon, Juan Cruz, Raymond Cruz, and Dionicio (Dan) Cruz.
He is survived, by his devoted wife Louella Cruz, grandsons Brady and Devin Stout, Donald Robert Silvey Jr., siblings; Mary Cruz, Lucy Jacques, Angie Espinoza, and Cresencio Cruz, son James Garcia, numerous nieces and nephews who always had so much respect, and honor for him. The family would like to say a special Thank You to Helen and Michael Tovar, (niece and nephew), for their care and support during his passing, as well as Bristol Hospice and Provident Home Health Care through the Veterans Affair.
The Philip Cruz Family would also like to say a Special Thank you to, Mr. Donald Davidson of Missouri, and his family for retaining the relationship for over 75 yrs. Philip and Don met at Camp Pendleton where they did their Boot Camp training and have remained true friends. Throughout the years the two families have gone on several cruises, which has been extended to include the grandchildren of both men. Don would call Phil every Sunday like clockwork at 8:00 to check on Phil and see what plans he had for the week. A true and remarkable friendship and comradery these two Marines had for each other.
Per Philip's request, services will be private and held at a later date. Burial will be at Santa Nella National Cemetery Site.

 

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