BENITO GARZA
Tue, 2016-02-09 20:58
News Staff
PHARR – Benito Garza, 86, died Thursday, February 4, 2016, at McAllen Medical Center. Born and raised in San Juan, Mr. Garza had lived in Pharr for 66 years. He graduated from PSJA High School in 1947 and McAllen Business College in1959. He was a Veteran of the United States Army, serving in the Korean War from 1952-1954 and followed his honorable discharge by serving in the United States Army reserve for 8 years. Mr. Garza worked at Sears Roebuck for over 40 years as a Service Manager before retiring. Mr. Garza is preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Clemencia Garza; three brothers, Jesus, Roberto and Isaac Garza Jr.; and three sisters, Eugenia Alvarado, Amelia Garza and Amparo Pinon. Benito is survived by his wife of 66 years, Maria Imelda “Mela” Garza of Pharr; four sons, Ricardo (Anne) Garza of Round Rock, David (Veronica) Garza, Benito (Nancy) Garza Jr., and Rene (Anna) Garza all of Pharr; 11 grandchildren, Justin, Hunter, Victoria, Catherine, Matthew, Benny III, Brianna, Bianca, Bella, Zachary, Julian; two brothers, Armando Garza of Pharr, Jorge Garza of San Juan; and three sisters, Lucia Garcia of Michigan, Rosa Rodriguez of San Juan and Janie Casares of Houston.
Dad was a strong family man who enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his wife, kids and grandkids. For as long as we remember, he would make Sundays his day to visit his parents and siblings, it was just part of his soul. He was a proud dad of his children and watching us boys play baseball was his passion during the summers and our high school years for he loved the game we played. As kids, we looked forward to our annual vacation to Houston, because he always hooked us up with Houston Astros tickets, Dad always made it special. He was a very humble, patient man with a very strong work ethic. Dad taught us well. Dad, you will always be in our hearts, our memories with you are forever embedded in our souls. We are better men because of you and mom. We know you’re in a better place and it’s good to know that you are no longer in any pain. Dad, “God loves you and so do we.”Visitation was held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with a 7 p.m. rosary Sunday, Feb. 7, at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Funeral service took place at 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 8, at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Pharr. Interment followed at Palm Valley Memorial Gardens in Pharr. Pallbearers were his grandsons, Justin Garza, Hunter Garza, Zachary Garza, Julian Garza, Benny Garza III, Matthew Garza, and Honorary Pallbearers are nephews Ruben Garza, Noel Garza and Roy Garza. Military honors were conducted by VFW Post 8788 of McAllen. The Garza Family would like to give thanks to Dr. Francisco “Frank” Peña; Dr. Treviño, and McAllen Medical Center doctors, nurses and staff; special thanks to Alfredo Gonzalez Veterans Nursing Home nurses, CNAs and staff for their loving care of our father. Funeral services were under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home of San Juan.