Roel Dayrit Cruz

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Roel Cruz after a brief illness. Roel Dayrit Cruz was born on November 23, 1958 and passed, surrounded by his family, on October 3, 2024. Originally born in the Philippines, he proudly became a US citizen on March 22, 1974 while living in Maryland. In 1974, his family moved to Fairfax, VA where he helped his father build the family home that rested on four acres of land. He learned many skills such as carpentry, electrical engineering, plumbing, mechanics, etc., which benefited him throughout the rest of his life. After graduating from Robinson High School, Roel enlisted in the Army where he served for four years, spending a deployment in Germany as a cryptographic communications technician. In 1983, he met his wife, Anita Vadeboncoeur (it was love at first sight); they married in April 1984. At that time, he worked typewriter maintenance but quickly took advantage of the emerging computer industry and became proficient in working with computers even trying his hand at his own computer maintenance and sales company. After several years, he transitioned to renovating houses. He and his family lived several years in Herndon, VA where he welcomed his daughter Stephanie in 1989 and his son Brandon in 1991. They moved into the Fairfax, VA family home in 1997. With the help of a couple of friends, he accomplished the incredible feat of a major renovation of the family home. It was here that Roel demonstrated his true passion for creating sumptuous meals for friends and family. He always enjoyed cooking for the holidays and inviting friends over, providing a food fest of more food than could be consumed! With Anita’s retirement in 2017, they packed up the house, and Stephanie, and moved to Seneca, SC to fulfill their dream of living in a quiet community on the calm waters of a lake. Roel had an impact on everyone he met. As one of his brothers-in-law recounts, they would go to Lowes or Home Depot for a ten-minute shopping trip only to have it take three or four times as long while Roel greeted the many people he already knew and interacted with the rest he didn’t yet know. During his retirement, he supported St. Paul the Apostle Roman Catholic Church performing greeting and security duties. His infectious smile, welcoming handshakes, and hugs to those who wanted them, provided the perfect atmosphere as the parishioners gathered into the church. You couldn’t help but feel good after being the recipient of one of Roel’s broad smiles and loving hugs. It was the perfect start to the celebration of Mass. A dedicated patriot, he presided as President of the Oconee County Conservatives where under his leadership the group saw significant growth in influence, advocating for policies that reflected the core values of the organization. He was a tireless champion for constitutional rights. Roel lived the ultimate credo of God, Family, Country. He was a brother in Christ and an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a man of kindness, compassion, and unwavering faith. His devotion to God was an inspiration to his family and those who knew him. Roel is predeceased by his parents Corazon Dayrit and Emigdio Roque Cruz. He is survived by Anita, his wife of over 40 years, his daughter, Stephanie (35), his son Brandon (33) (Katie/girlfriend), his brothers Mark (Katrina), and Danny (Jennifer), his sisters Anna Heimbichner (Robert), Jenny Rualo, Nikki Redmon (Michael Evangelisto), and his dogs, Cody and Raven (13 ½), and their blue iguana Skittles (8). He will truly be missed. He would want you to keep loving God, keep your family close to you and keep smiling!! His memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the honor of knowing him. A funeral mass will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Seneca, SC on October 26, 2024 at 10:30. Interment will be immediately following mass also at St. Paul's. Attendees are invited to the reception at the American Legion Hall in Walhalla, SC starting at around 12:30.

Roel Dayrit Cruz

November 23, 1958 - October 3, 2024