Leonard Lewis Cruess

LEONARD LEWIS CRUESS How fortunate we are to have had our Dad and Grandpa live beyond 106 years! Len Cruess was born July 28, 1904 in Waterbury, CT to Mary and Frank Cruess and outlived his 3 brothers and 3 sisters. He died July 11, just 17 days before his 107th birthday. He was only 7 years old when he began working with his father and brothers in the Frank Cruess & Sons grocery stores, Waterbury, CT, delivering food by horse and buggy. During WWI, at the age of 14, he was managing a store. Dad married the love of his life, Cecilia Mulville. They celebrated 72 happy years together. In 1947 Mom and Dad vacationed in Santa Barbara, CA and decided it was an ideal place to raise their younger daughters, so the big move took place in 1953. Dad enjoyed working in the meat department of Jordano's until his retirement in 1968. During those years he took Adult Education courses and graduated from high school in 1955. After retirement came the second love of his life - golf! Every morning at 9:30 you could find him teeing off at the Encina Royal golf course. He holds the record of 163 holes-in-one and was still playing at the age of 104. In the last years of his life, he made his home with his daughter Julie Mooy and granddaughter Jo Bittner and family. Dad led a regimented life with daily schedules for eating, and especially for his 4 o'clock bourbon. Our fondest memories will be his smile, the twinkle in his blue eyes and his valued Irish heritage. His witty remarks always provided family and friends with a good laugh. When asked about the secret to his longevity, his favorite response was, "Keep your bowels open and your mouth shut." One of his proudest accomplishments was his 88 year membership in the Knights of Columbus. Our Dad was a loving father to all of us and our loss is overwhelming. He is survived by four daughters, Julie Mooy from Santa Barbara, CA, Mary Anne Wolbert (Robert), from Sun City West, Al, Lenne Grant (Gerald), from Buellton, CA, and Kiki Cruess from Medford, OR, plus 19 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren and 2 great-great granddaughters. There are many families of nieces and nephews scattered throughout the US. He is predeceased by his wife Cecilia, sons James and John, daughter Patricia, granddaughter Jane Mooy, grandson P.J. Valentine and son-in-law Len Mooy. Dear Daddy, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. Len's life will be celebrated with a Rosary held at Welch-Ryce- Haider Funeral Chapels, 450 Ward Dr., Goleta, CA on Sunday, July 17,2011 at 7 p.m. and a funeral mass held on Monday, 11 a.m., at San Roque Church, 3200 Calle Cedro, Santa Barbara, CA. Donations to your favorite charity in Leonard's name will be appreciated. To leave online condolences please visit www.wrhsb.com.

Leonard Lewis Cruess

July 28, 1904 - July 11, 2011