Calvin Joseph “Cal” Cruz
July 31, 1932 - April 30, 2023
Calvin Joseph “Cal” Cruz of Middletown, DE passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at the age of 90. Always quick with a sly grin and teasing remark, Cal will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Born on July 31, 1932 in Fairhaven, MA, Cal was the youngest child of Frank and Anna Cruz, immigrants from Portugal’s Azore Islands. Later in life, he was thrilled to be able to return to his mother’s hometown and connect with distant relatives.
Cal attended Clemson University for his MS in Chemistry (graduated 1955) during which time he met Anne Stalvey. After service in the Marine Corp, Cal married Anne in 1958. Cal went on to obtain his PhD in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (graduated 1961). Cal remained a lifelong Tar Heels fan, loving to cheer on the basketball team with Anne—whether on TV or in person.
Cal and Anne lived and raised their family in Delaware (Wilmington, Hockessin). Cal spent his career at DuPont, working as a technical service supervisor for various products. Outside work, Cal took a hands-on approach to life, founding and coaching a little league football team for his young sons and buying and boarding horses to support his daughter’s riding dreams.
In retirement, Cal and Anne lived in Lumberton, NC and then for many years in Chapin, SC, where he enjoyed trips to the beach and riding jet skis on Lake Murray with his grandchildren. When he wasn’t with family, Cal could be found working around the house on projects ranging from restoring a 1963 Jaguar E-type Roadster (his dream car), to fixing household appliances, to crafting toys for his grandchildren in his woodshop.
Above all, Cal cherished his family, in which he was beloved as a husband, father, and grand-dad. Cal was predeceased by his parents and by siblings Thelma, Jerry, and Clifford. He is survived by his loving wife, Anne; children Joe (Jane), Steve (Corinne), and Rebecca (Anthony); and grandchildren Noah (Abby), Connor (Stephanie), Micah (Taylor), Casey, Rachel, Brett, and Nina.
Services will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cal’s memory to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Wes and Felicia mccaskill
We are so sorry to hear of his passing. We have many memories of cal at the beach over the years. He brought a lot of fun and laughter with his kites and remote control buggies which the kids enjoyed. We will keep you all in our prayers!
Sandy Brown
I was saddened when mom called me with the news of your dad. I have many fond memories of your father – many of them at North Myrtle Beach. He didn’t just sit in a beach chair, he was always active – tossing a football, playing in the waves or building incredible sandcastles. At his home in SC, he had the zip line and wave runners and was always ready to play. He was full of fun. It was obvious he loved his family. Mom and I visited a few years back. He told us many stories of his children and grandchildren. He lived and he loved and he will be missed.
Love to you all. ❤️
Kathleen Connor
I worked with Cal for several years at the DuPont Company, Barley Mill. He was such a gentleman – I remember him fondly. My sincerest condolences to your family.
Olive and Richard Verbit
Cal was a kind and generous person who it was our privilege to call a friend. Our deepest condolences to his lovely wife, Anne, and their entire family. We are all lonely without him. Sincerely, Olive and Richard Verbit
Wendy Flores
So very sorry to hear that “Uncle Vinny” has passed. The passing of a loved one is something you never, ever get over….you just learn a new way to live without them. My sincere condolences.
Jim and Wendy Flores
Robert Schumm
Dear Anne and Family
I share your sadness loosing such a wonderful man.
Cal and I met years ago at DuPont where he became my immediate supervisor in the Nomex nylon division. I was still wet behind the ears having just graduated and Cal was more of an older brother than a boss. Nomex at the time was an undyeable fiber which limited its main vertue of being nonflammable. Only two colors were possible – military green & fireman orange – which excluded most normal utility e.g. air plane seating, protective clothing, etc. Part of Cal’s responsibility was to beat this short coming so as to expand market sales. Even though many had tried, none succeeded. Cal assigned me to the task and was resolute that all things are possible with chemistry and that I could accomplish the task.
His belief in me made it impossible to fail. He was a wonderful coach. And we succeeded.
I feel very lucky for my time spent with him.
Bob
Dawn McDowell
I enjoyed getting to know Cal at the MOT Senior Center he will truly be missed.