Ibarra P. De La Cruz

In Loving Memory of Ibarra P. Dela Cruz

Ibarra P. Dela Cruz, a devoted family man, musician, patriot, and gentle soul, passed away peacefully and went to Heaven with the angels on September 21, 2026, at 11:40 AM, at the age of 70.

After eight months of hospitalization in different hospitals throughout the Central Coast and the Bay Area, Ibarra’s long journey came to an end. Though his final months were marked by illness and hardship, he faced them with the same quiet strength, courage, and perseverance that defined his life.

Ibarra was a man of few words, but the words he spoke carried meaning. He was a gentle and peaceful man who did not believe in violence or vengeance. Instead, he believed in forgiveness, peace, harmony, and the strength of the human spirit.

He believed that the foundation of a family rested upon four pillars: respect, loyalty, courage, and perseverance. These were not merely words to him; they were principles by which he lived and raised his family.

One phrase he would often say was: “Give me somewhere to stand, I will move the earth.” Those words reflected the man he was. To Ibarra, nothing worthwhile came without determination, courage, and perseverance. They embodied his belief that with a firm foundation, unwavering faith, and the willingness to work hard, even the greatest obstacles could be overcome.

That philosophy also reflected the American Dream he pursued after coming to the United States. Like so many who came before him seeking a better life, Ibarra believed in the dignity of hard work, opportunity, perseverance, and building something better for the generations that would follow. He worked tirelessly, embraced opportunity, and gave his family everything he could. His greatest measure of success was never wealth or recognition—it was knowing that the people he loved were cared for and had a better tomorrow.

Above all else, Ibarra loved his family unconditionally. He would do anything and give everything for them. His love was not always expressed through many words, but through sacrifice, protection, guidance, and the countless things he did for the people he loved. His family was his greatest treasure and the reason behind so much of what he accomplished.

Ibarra was born in the Philippines and earned an Associate Degree in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. After coming to the United States, he built a life through hard work and determination. He worked in various positions throughout the Bay Area, including at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Parkmerced, while also pursuing his passion for music as a part-time musician.

Eventually, he moved to the Central Coast, where he found his calling in healthcare. For nearly 30 years, he worked with Central Coast Senior Services, where he became a highly skilled and dedicated healthcare provider. His years of service reflected his compassion, patience, professionalism, and commitment to caring for others. But beyond his career, there was another part of Ibarra that brought him extraordinary joy—music.

He possessed an exceptional natural talent as a musician. The saxophone was his instrument, and he played it with such mastery and feeling that it seemed to be a part of him. He also played other instruments, including the clarinet, oboe, and flute.

Ibarra often affirmed that “music is the universal language.” Through music, he communicated emotions that words could not always express. His music became another part of the legacy he leaves behind.

He was also gifted with languages. He was highly proficient in English, fluent in Japanese, and understood multiple Filipino dialects, among others. His appreciation for language reflected his curiosity about people, cultures, history, and the world around him.

Ibarra was a proud patriot who held the United States Military in the highest regard. He deeply respected the sacrifice, discipline, courage, and service of those who dedicate their lives to protecting the nation. His admiration for the military was part of his broader appreciation for duty, honor, courage, and perseverance.

He was also a devoted Roman Catholic whose faith remained an important part of his life. He held a special devotion to Saint Michael the Archangel, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Saint Frances Cabrini. His faith provided him with strength, comfort, and hope throughout his life and especially during his final journey.

Ibarra considered himself a student of history, with a particular fascination for the history of war and the events that shaped the world. He followed current events closely and remained curious and engaged with the world around him. His love of history reflected his belief that understanding the past helps us understand the present and prepare for the future.

Ibarra P. Dela Cruz leaves behind more than memories. He leaves behind lessons—to respect others, remain loyal to those we love, stand courageously in difficult times, persevere when life becomes hard, forgive rather than seek vengeance, and never stop believing in the possibility of a better tomorrow.

His life was a testament to the belief that a person can cross oceans, face adversity, build a new life, and create a lasting legacy through faith, hard work, love, and perseverance. He came to this world with little more than dreams and determination, and he leaves it having given his family something far greater than material possessions: a lifetime of love, values, memories, and an example to follow.

Though his voice has fallen silent, his music will continue to play in the hearts of those who knew him.

Though his hands can no longer hold his family, the love he gave them will continue to hold them together.

And though his journey on earth has ended, the foundation he built will remain.

“Give me somewhere to stand, I will move the earth.”

You found your place to stand.

You moved the earth for your family.

Now, may you rest peacefully in the arms of God.

Until we meet again

Funeral Services

Viewing: October 5 & 6, 2026

1:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Healey Mortuary. Salinas, California

Funeral Mass:

October 7, 2026 at 9:30 AM

Sacred Heart Church Salinas, California

Interment:

Following the Mass

Garden of Memories Salinas, California

May the angels receive you, may the saints welcome you, and may you rest forever in the peace of God.

Rest in eternal peace. You were a beloved family man, a good man, and truly one of a kind. Your love and legacy will live on forever.