Obituary: Clemente J. DelaCruz, Sr., 91, Of Waterford

Information via Byles-MacDougall Funeral Service

Clemente Jaminal DelaCruz, age 91, of Waterford passed away on Monday, December 3, 2018 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Cavite, Philippines on December 27, 1926, the son of Francisco and Herbacia Jaminal DelaCruz.

Clemente was married to Gloria Neto on December 30, 1946 in New London. Gloria passed away January 9, 1997.

Clemente joined the U. S. Navy Submarine Service in 1945 and retired as a Petty Officer First Class in 1969. After retiring he was a barber at both the Coast Guard Academy and at John’s Barber Shop in Groton.

He was an avid fisherman, especially with his kids and grand kids, a hunter, gardener and he loved to dance with the Shoreline #50’s Single and the Norwich 50 + Single. At the age of 70 he decided to take up golf and continued to play almost until his death.

Clemente is survived by five sons, Clemente J., Jr of Port St. Lucie, FL, Kenneth J. of N. Stonington, Jeffrey M. and Mark J. both of Waterford and David J. of Uncasville, seventeen grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren, and his long-time companion, Joyce Merlo. He was predeceased by his daughter Mona Kupka this past August as well as his four sisters, two brothers and one step sister.

A funeral service will be held on Friday morning, at 11:30 a.m. at the Byles Memorial Home (99 Huntington Street, New London). Interment with Military Honors will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours will be from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be directed to the Center for Hospice Care of SE CT, 227 Dunham St, Norwich, CT 06360.

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