Justiniano Aquino dela Cruz

Justiniano Aquino dela Cruz

“Just”

September 5, 1950 — August 5, 2026

Born September 5, 1950, in Concepcion, Tarlac, Philippines, to Honorio Sr. and Demetria dela Cruz, Justiniano “Just” Aquino dela Cruz passed away on August 5, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the age of 75.

He grew up in Concepcion as the eldest son in a family of seven children and, with his father in poor health, became his mother Demetria’s right hand in the family’s poultry business while also looking after his younger siblings. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Commerce from Saint Louis University in Baguio City, Philippines, graduating in 1970, and put that education directly to work to support the family business.

On February 24, 1974, Just married the love of his life, Edna Sales, a nurse. Together they welcomed two daughters, Kristine and Kamillah, and shared a bold aspiration: to build a better life for their family in the United States. In 1986, they made that dream a reality, settling in Indianapolis, Indiana — a decision that would shape the course of their family for generations to come. Just spent 36 years at Advanced OrthoPro, helping manufacture customized artificial limbs and body braces for people rebuilding their lives, while Edna worked a demanding schedule as a nurse on third shift. He brought to his work the same dependability that defined everything he did, always putting family first.

Just and Edna shared a marriage built on faith, family, health, education, and adventure — true partners who supported one another in everything they pursued and found joy simply in each other’s company. That partnership carried them coast to coast across the United States and on journeys through Asia and Europe to visit Kristine and her family in England, to Disney World with Kamillah and her family, onto golf courses together at family reunions in Las Vegas, Alabama, and the Philippines, to casinos and beaches for fresh shrimp and crab legs, on a pilgrimage together in Mexico, and onto the dance floor at formal galas and events. Theirs was a love that only grew deeper with every mile and every year, through 52 years together.

He was a longtime parishioner of St. Monica Catholic Church, and above all, Just was a family man — present, supportive, and steady, a quiet and humble leader who was deeply committed to his family and generous to a fault. He taught his daughters the importance of self-sufficiency through education and equipped them with the life strategies to make quality decisions — Kristine went on to study engineering, and Kamillah studied economics. He adored his five granddaughters, Sydney, Ava, Isabella, Elizabeth, and Katherine, and there was nothing he loved more than watching them grow into kind-hearted, independent-thinking, and spirited young ladies. He was the soul of his family, and he will be deeply missed.

Beyond his family, Just enjoyed raising roosters and playing chess, and loved to sing karaoke to the melodic songs of Julio Iglesias, the Bee Gees, and the Platters. He was widely trusted as a natural connector for anyone who needed help, always there for family and friends alike, and was also one of the funniest and most quick-witted people in any room, and his humor and warmth made him a favorite wherever he went. In the end, Just's life was a testament to the values he held most dear, and the faith, love, and adventurous spirit he poured into his family and friends will carry on in every life he touched.

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Survived By

Just is survived by his wife of 52 years, Edna Sales dela Cruz; his daughters, Kristine (Ivan) Morris and Kamillah (Joseph) Burrows; his grandchildren, Sydney Morris, Ava Morris, Isabella Morris, Elizabeth Burrows, and Katherine Burrows; his siblings, Asteria (Pacifico) Descallar, Iluminada A. dela Cruz, Honorio Jr. (Edith) dela Cruz, Ofelia (Renato) Castillo, and Teresa (Gilbert) Gabat; his niece Johanna Descallar and nephews Timothy Castillo, Kristofer Castillo, and Michael Gabat; and a host of extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Honorio Sr. and Demetria dela Cruz, and his brother, Marcos A. dela Cruz.

Service

Just’s life will be celebrated at Our Lady of Peace Chapel, Indianapolis, Indiana, on Saturday, September 5, 2026, with visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass immediately after from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The family invites all who knew and loved Just to join in celebrating a life well lived.