Tributes

On the sunrise of Wednesday, June 21, 2023, Medardo Tabios Dela Cruz, 64, was reborn into the Kingdom of our Heavenly Father. He is survived by his wife, Marietta Tolete Dela Cruz, his two adult children, Michelle T. Dela Cruz Bukirin (Matthew Bukirin) and Michael Dela Cruz (Dominica Dela Cruz), his two grandchildren, Rozalyn and Ronin Bukirin and his younger siblings, Jeanet Pascua (Jesse Pascua) and Roy Dela Cruz (Leslye Dela Cruz), stepmother Caridad Dela Cruz and step brother, Leo Dela Cruz (Jayne Dela Cruz), his uncle, Bert Dela Cruz, and his nieces and nephews. Medardo was born to Bernardo Dela Cruz and Fausta Tabios Dela Cruz on April 8, 1959 in San Nicholas, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. At 11-months old, his family immigrated to Hawaii where he and his siblings spent the majority of their upbringing. Medardo graduated from James Campbell High School. Later, he attended a semester at the University of Hawaii but transferred to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York after being awarded a full ride scholarship. His classmates nicknamed him “R2D2”. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science and was recommended to the President for appointment as a commissioned officer in the United States Army in 1982. He served in the 2nd Battalion 59th Air Defence Artillery (ADA) in Germany (1983-1985) and as the Battery Executive Officer, Unit A Battery Commander of the A/1-62nd ADA in Hawaii (1985-1991). In 1983, Medardo was stationed in Nuremberg, Germany where, on a blind date, he met a Filipina nurse, Marietta Acosta Tolete, who shared the same values of family, faith and love. Often their love was proclaimed by Medardo etching into the sand “Dardo loves Mayet.” Their love grew and they knew each other as “Honey Ko”. After they married, Dardo and Mayet moved back to Hawaii on a compassionate reassignment where they welcomed their daughter and three years later their son into the world. Medardo moved the family from Hawaii to Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas, then to Fort Sill, Lawton, Oklahoma following his Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Orders. In 1994, Medardo decided to voluntarily resign from the Army and settle the family in San Antonio, TX. He enrolled at St. Philips Community College and graduated top of his class earning his Associates degree in Occupational Therapy. After graduating he soon found his home away from home at PAM Health Warm Springs Rehabilitation Center where for 25 years he mentored OT students, encouraged his patients and formed a strong work tribe of support, love and laughter. Medardo was a born leader and throughout his life he humbly held leadership positions in the communities that he impacted including: Mr. Campbell and Senior Class President at James Campbell High School in Honolulu, Hawaii (1977); Major Army, retired (1993); Blessed Sacrament PTA President (2000-2002); St. Anthony’s High School Robotics Club Parent Mentor (2003-2013); Occupational Therapist Association - Alamo Chapter President (COTA); Regency Meadow HomeOwners Association President; Honorary member of the Philippine Nurses Association of San Antonio (PNASA); Philippine Scouts Heritage Society - Alamo Chapter Founding President (2018). Medardo was the official/unofficial cheerleader and video/photographer during big events. He was the listening ear and prayer partner during challenging times. He was the ball of energy and inspector gadget of his Warm Springs Tribe, where he was affectionately known as “D.” And he was the miracle maker for many of his patients. Medardo will forever be remembered for his “can do” attitude, positive nature and his infectiously big and warm smile. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 9, 2023 from 5:30pm to 9:00pm at Mission Park Funeral Chapels Cherry Ridge. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, July 10, 2023 at 9:30am at Blessed Sacrament Parish Church. The burial ceremony and military honors will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. A reception gathering will be held at 12:30 P.M. at the Blessed Sacrament Parish Hall. In lieu of giving flowers, the family asks that those who are able instead contribute to the family fund to help with medical costs. Click here to access the family fund page: https://www.freefunder.com/campaign/dardos-farewell-fund

Tributes

Medardo Tabios Dela Cruz

April 8, 1959 - June 21, 2023