Family and friends,

It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of our loved one, Pedro (Pete) De La Cruz Jr. , of Palm Harbor, FL., at the young age of 69. Pete passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, December 01, 2024, in Mease Countryside Hospital in Safety Harbor, Florida.

Born in East Chicago, IN on July 24, 1955 to Pedro De La Cruz Sr. and Eloisa (Martinez) De La Cruz. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Rita A. De La Cruz, son Kyle A. De La Cruz, son Angelo V. De La Cruz, mother Eloisa (Martinez) De La Cruz, brother Louis and sister-in-law Lucia De La Cruz, sister Janet Lugo, sister Hilda and brother-in-law Miguel Aleman, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews, extended family and too many friends/colleagues/co-workers to list.

Pete was a devoted, loving and compassionate husband, father, son, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle, cousin and nephew.

He truly enjoyed working at SCC Soft Computer as a Senior Project Manager for 19+ years.  Pete was a dedicated employee and very proud of his accomplishments.  He worked hard and was passionate to secure his sons' future and never complained.

He loved cycling 15 miles a day on the weekends.  He enjoyed playing pickle ball,  disc golf, volleyball, and ping pong. Pete was in his element when he was outdoors hiking, white water rafting, cycling, golfing, zip lining, and coaching baseball.

Everything Pete did in life was for his sons and family, his pride and joy. He was so passionate, lived life to the fullest, and most of all, loved his family—especially his mother, whom he cherished deeply. Pete was one of a kind and will be missed dearly. May he rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Welcome home Pete.

A Funeral Mass to honor Pete's life will take place on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 1:00 PM. All are welcome to attend.

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church 2281 State Road 580 Clearwater, FL 33763

A viewing will be held the evening before, on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at:

Baldwin Brothers Funeral Home and Cremation Society 39346 US Highway 19 North Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations are kindly accepted to support Pete's sons. Contributions may be sent to:

Kyle or Angelo De La Cruz 242 11th Ave SW Largo, FL 33770

Alternatively, donations can be made in Pete's memory to the following organizations:

• The Nature Conservancy : Donate Here
• Arbor Day Foundation : Plant Trees in Memory