Joseph Dela Cruz

JOSEPH DELA CRUZ, 67, formerly of Waipahu passed away in Santa Maria on May 19, 2018.  He was born the first of six children on Jan 2, 1951.  U.S. Army veteran, after his discharge he enlisted in the Army Reserve. In his younger days he enjoyed surfing and making surfboards for his friends. He was a self-taught musician, where he played with a band called the Drop Beats. Later in life he got into playing Hawaiian music – he had a beautiful falsetto voice, but he was a very shy and humble guy. Even with his voice, he was so shy to sing, but he eventually did after a lot of nagging.  Joe moved to California in 1989. Years later he met Pauline, and with her he made Santa Maria his home. There he also brought the Aloha Spirit out, bringing people together for kanikapila. They also had a Halau named Hoapili Pomaika'i Aloha. He also had a trio called Island Connection where they played Hawaiian music.  He brought out the best & talent in people, made them shine while he watched.  After 20 years together, sadly she had to say good-bye to him.  He is gone but not forgotten.

Joe is survived by:  Fiancee Pauline Supnet Plan, mother Gavina Dela Cruz, Siblings Mary Louch (Bill), Martha Fernandez (Greg), Marie Paishon (Dobson), Cipriano “Ricky” Dela Cruz, Margaret Peck (Lindsey), nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, great grandniece, great grandnephews, uncles, aunts, and many cousins.

Visitation will be 9:00 am Tuesday July 24, 2018 at Mililani Memorial Park's Mauka Chapel followed by memorial service at 10:00 am. Inurnment will be 2:00 pm Tuesday July 24, 2018 at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl (2177 Puowaina Drive Honolulu, HI 96813).

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