Clemente DelaCruz

Waterford — Clemente Jaminal DelaCruz, 91, of Waterford passed away on Monday, Dec. 3, 2018, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Cavite, Philipines, on Dec. 27, 1926, the son of Francisco and Herbacia Jaminal DelaCruz. Clemente was married to Gloria Neto on Dec. 30, 1946, in New London. Gloria passed away Jan. 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 and avid fisherman, especially with his kids and grandkids, a hunter and 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, Fla., Kenneth J. of North Stonington, Jeffrey M. and Mark J., both of Waterford, and David J. of Uncasville, 17 grandchildren, 13 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 stepsister.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, at the Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St., New London. Interment with Military Honors will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours will be from 3 until 7 o’clock 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.

Please visit www.byles.com to sign the guest book or share a memory.