Services Set For Longtime General Surgeon In Lacey

LACEY, NJ — Dr. Caesar de Peralta Dela Cruz's life took him from Philippines to Lacey. Known for his faith, kindness and bright smile, the surgeon general helped all who came his way, regardless of finances, according to his obituary.

Dela Cruz 78, of Forked River, passed away peacefully on June 2. He was born Jan. 21, 1941 in Philippines, graduating from the nation's University of Santo Tomas Medical School of Medicine in 1964.

After graduation, he traveled to New York City to complete his residency in general surgery at the Queens Hospital Center. He completed his residency in 1971.

Dela Cruz practiced general surgery for 42 years. He began at Catholic Medical Center in Jamaica, Queens. Then he moved with his family to Forked River in 1980.

He joined Drs. Floro Guerrero, Khachig Konyalian and Amado Vives of Ocean Surgical Associates PA. He concurrently served Community Medical Center in Toms River and Southern Ocean Country Hospital — now Southern Ocean Medical Center — for 27 years and 33 years, respectively.

Dela Cruz earned several accolades before retiring in 2013. The Community Medical Center Department of Surgery named him Emeritus. The Long Beach Island Rotary Club recognized him as Doctor of the Year, an honor fellow physicians determined.

At the gala reception, it was noted that "Dr. Dela Cruz has treated thousands of patients of all ages in our community and is constantly praised by his peers as being not only a remarkable physician, but a kind and charitable one as well."

The New Jersey Nurse & Institute for Nursing awarded him the prestigious IFN Apple (Acknowledge Physician Partners: A Liaison for Excellence) Award that recognizes physicians who demonstrate that they value, respect and collaborate with nurses.

He was predeceased by his father, Felicisimo De La Cruz, mother, Dolores de Peralta De La Cruz, step mother, Corazon Garrido Dela Cruz, brother Anton; sisters, Felicita and Aurora De La Cruz.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years Helen Dela Cruz, son Eric A. DeLa Cruz (Forked River), daughter, Gina Turcotte, son in law Marc, grandchildren; Madison, Nathan, & Gavin Turcotte (Simpsonville, South Carolina); sister, Dr. Rose Sia, brother in law, Santiago (Manila, Philippines); brothers, Father Perlito DelaCruz (Winters, California) and Dr. Victor, sister in law Dr. Alvi De La Cruz (Red Deer, Alberta) and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

"He expressed respect for everyone that he encountered no matter their position at the hospital or in the community," his obituary says. "He was well loved by the everyone he worked with. He held a deep appreciation for everyone at Southern Medical Center and treasured the years that he served there. Dr. Dela Cruz loved his medical career, but his greatest joy in life was his family."

Visitation will take place at the Layton's Home for Funerals (250 Lacey Road, Forked River) from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday, June 14. A visitation will also take place at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Lacey United Methodist Church before a 10 a.m. funeral service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to: Southern Ocean Medical Center Foundation, 1140 Route 72 West, Manahawkin, NJ 08050 or the Lacey United Methodist Church, 203 West Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ 08731.

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