Richard "Ricky" De La Cruz

Richard (Ricky) De La Cruz, 60 years young, entered eternal rest on January 25th, 2022.
A long-time resident of Highland, CA and recently from Redlands, was accompanied by his loving wife when he went peacefully to Our Lord.

Born April 1, 1961 in San Bernardino, CA, to Sally Carrillo-De La Cruz and Richard Veloz De La Cruz. He attended elementary, Jr. High and High school in East Highlands and Redlands. An active child and youth, he played a variety of athletic activities. However, his favorite sport was baseball. Ricky received a patch for the Presidential Physical Fitness Award as well.

He followed his father and paternal grandfather’s career, and joined the HOD Carriers and Laborer’s Local 783 in 1980. After early retirement, he did a variety of jobs, obtained his GED, and attended San Bernardino Valley College. He enjoyed volunteering for local churches and cooking or offering assistance to those in need. He also volunteered for various organizations such as Loma Linda University Hospital and Life Stream. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus The most rewarding “work” were his years of dedication as a baseball and softball coach for Highland Girl’s Softball, Highland Little League, Redlands Baseball For Youth, and The Triple Threat Girls Travel Ball Club of Redlands.

Husband, Dad, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Son, Brother, Coach, and Friend, Ricky dearly loved family life, socializing and assisting the youth and mentoring inexperienced coaches.

Ricky leaves behind his high school sweetheart of 44 years, Lorinda (Lori) De La Cruz, four children: Christina, Veronica (Carlos), Sonya (Nery), and Richard De La Cruz III, 13 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, and expecting a fourth in June 2022; his mother, Sally De La Cruz, sisters Felicia and Armeda De La Cruz and a host of extended family, friends, and mentees. He is preceded in death by his father, Richard V. De La Cruz.

Services to be held on Friday, February 18th at Emerson Bartlett Memorial Chapel ; viewing from 4-8pm with prayer of the Holy Rosary at 7pm. The Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, February 19th at 11 am at St. John Bosco Mission, 28991 Merris St., Highland.

Burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, send donations in the name of Richard De La Cruz to:
Veronica’s Home of Mercy, 641 Roberds Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92411 (909)888-9064
St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or visit stjude.org

The Triple Threat Softball Club will be establishing an athletic scholarship in his name.