Francisco De La Cruz

In Loving Memory of Francisco De La Cruz

Francisco De La Cruz, age 79, of Bolingbrook, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy built on faith, hard work, love, and an unwavering devotion to his family.

Francisco was a loving husband to his wife, Celia De La Cruz, and a devoted father to Emma De La Cruz, who preceded him in death, and to Victor De La Cruz, Nancy De La Cruz, and Marisela De La Cruz.

His family was the center of his world. His children and grandchildren were never simply a part of his life—they were the main characters in it. Francisco would move mountains for the people he loved. He generously gave his time, his resources, his strength, and his love to his family, always making sure they knew they could count on him.

In 1974, Francisco came to the United States as an immigrant with little more than hopes and dreams for a better life. Through determination, sacrifice, and an incredible work ethic, he built a life he could be proud of. As a skilled welder and a hardworking man, he worked tirelessly to provide for his family, eventually purchasing a home and creating the foundation for generations to come. Along the way, he never forgot where he came from and was always willing to help others work toward a better life as well.

Francisco was known for his positive outlook, generosity, honesty, and loving heart. He was a straight shooter who believed in being genuine and saying things as they were. Above all, he was a man of deep Christian faith who loved God and put Him first in everything he did. His faith guided the way he lived, loved, worked, and cared for others.

He had a special love for sports, especially soccer, and proudly supported his favorite team, Las Chivas de Guadalajara. Some of his happiest moments were spent surrounded by his family—hosting cookouts and gatherings, sharing food, laughter, stories, and simply enjoying time together. He especially cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren and took great joy in watching his family grow.

Francisco will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Celia; his children, Victor, Nancy, and Marisela; his grandchildren, Victor, Viviana, Joshua, Anthony, Omar, Daniel, Esdras, Angel, Andres, and Emma; and his great-grandchildren, Mateo and Francesca.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Emma.

Francisco’s greatest accomplishment was not simply the home he built or the life he created. It was the family he loved, the people he helped, and the example he left behind. He showed his family what it meant to work hard, remain positive, give generously, love deeply, and keep God at the center of everything.

Though his absence leaves an unimaginable emptiness, his family will carry his love, his faith, his strength, and his memory with them. The life he built will continue through the generations he loved so dearly.

His journey began with a dream, and he leaves behind a legacy that will live on in all of us.

May he rest in the loving arms of God.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm with a Chapel Service beginning at 6:00 pm at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Rd. Joliet, IL 60435. Guests are invited to return to Tezak’s on the morning of Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 10:00 am for continued visitation before we travel in procession to Hillcrest Cemetery, 384 E. Boughton Rd. Bolingbrook, IL for a Graveside Interment Service.