August 6, 2009, Los Angeles, Calif. It is with deep sadness that the House Ear Institute and House Ear Clinic announce the passing of their longtime colleague and friend Antonio De la Cruz, M.D. He is survived by his son Anthony Charles, daughter Jeannette, his longtime companion Nilia Matos and her daughter, Gwenael Salha. He passed away from complications from lymphoma at St. Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, on Friday morning, July 31, 2009, at the age of 65.
For the many people who knew him, Dr. De la Cruz will be remembered fondly as a kind and caring humanitarian, with a passion not only for helping patients with auditory disorders, but also as someone who cared deeply about sharing medical and scientific knowledge with the worldwide medical community. Over the course of his career, Dr. De la Cruz made a positive difference in the lives of thousands of people.
Dr. De la Cruz received his Doctorate in Medicine in 1967 and completed his specialty training in otolaryngology at the University of Miami Hospitals in 1973. After completing his Fellowship at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles in 1974, he joined the practice as an Associate in January 1975.
In addition to being a world-renowned neurotologist at the House Ear Clinic, Dr. De la Cruz served as the House Ear Institute's Director of Education, leading professional training programs for hundreds of visiting physicians from around the world in otology/neurotology surgical procedures and practices. He also was an active member of the House Ear Institute's Board of Trustees since 1984.
"All of us at the House Clinic and House Ear Institute are saddened at the sudden passing of our dear friend and colleague Antonio De la Cruz. I have had the honor of working with Tony since we both arrived at the Institute in 1974," said John House, M.D., president, House Ear Institute and associate, House Clinic. "He has given so much to so many people all of over the world. He enjoyed his patients and his teaching. He will be missed by all who have been touched by him."
His love of teaching extended beyond the institute and clinic to USC's Keck School of Medicine, where he served as a Clinical Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Furthermore, as often as twice a month, Dr. De la Cruz would present the work of the House Ear Institute and House Ear Clinic at medical conferences in Europe, the South Pacific and North, Central and South America. His impeccable fluency in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and French proved invaluable wherever he traveled.
Dr. De la Cruz was president of the Pan American Congress for 2002 and is a past president of the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and the American Otologic Society. He is a fellow of the American Otologic Society, American Laryngological Rhinological and Otological Society and American College of Surgeons. Over the course of his accomplished career, he authored numerous publications, journal articles and presentations.
The institute and clinic extend their heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and patients who knew firsthand his devotion to the field of medicine. His colleagues and friends will deeply miss him.
Those wishing to join his family are invited to a vigil on Saturday, August 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery and Mortuary, 5835 W. Slauson Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230. The service will be Monday, August 10, starting at 7:00 p.m. at Church of St. Mark, 940 Coeur d'Alene Avenue, Venice, CA 90291. A celebration of life will immediately follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be sent to the House Ear Institute, 2100 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057.
