Tinian mayor’s brother Antonio M. Dela Cruz passes away

Antonio M. Dela Cruz, the longest serving employee of the Tinian Municipal Council and the oldest brother of Tinian Mayor Ramon M. Dela Cruz, passed away around 6am yesterday from liver cancer. He was 61.

Antonio Dela Cruz is survived by his wife Jesusa Aguon Dela Cruz and his 12 children.

Family members said those who know Antonio Dela Cruz would remember him most for his sense of humor.

“You sit down with him and it won’t be long before you’ll be laughing with him,” said Antonio’s sister, Carmen Dela Cruz Farrell. “His strength just attracted people because of his jokes.”

According to Farrell, Antonio Dela Cruz was diagnosed with cancer in November 2011. But the family did not know about his condition until some three weeks ago.

That was the time, Farrell said, when Antonio Dela Cruz found out that his cancer had spread to other parts of his body. He was advised to inform family members so he could spend more quality time with them.

Antonio had two children in the military, one of whom was stationed in Afghanistan. Both were able to make it to Tinian before their father’s death. Of his 12 children, only one in Washington and one in Guam couldn’t make it due to health reasons.

Farrell said her brother’s sense of humor was evident even during his final moments. “Last Monday, I asked him to make me a happy face and he did it even though he’s in pain,” she said. “The pictures that we took of him, you can tell that he’s sick but he’s still smiling.”

Farrell said that Antonio’s best joke was his story about somebody breaking into his house in Guam. “In his house, there were lots of valuables but they didn’t touch it. There’s money, gold jewelry but they didn’t touch any of that. They only stole his picture,” she recalled, smiling.

Antonio, who has worked at the Tinian Municipal Council for at least 15 years, used to bring pastries for his co-workers. “He’s a good guy.”

Tinian Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz described his brother as a very simple and friendly man.

“He’s always had that sense of humor even during difficult situations. He’s gained a lot of respect and friends in the community,” he told Saipan Tribune.

The mayor said there will be a nightly rosary at 8pm at the San Jose Church. Interment plans will be announced in a later date.