Casimiro "Casey" Garcia Jr. Obituary

Casimiro (Casey) Garcia

Casey Garcia, 90, was called to the Lord on October 6, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born July 10, 1935 in Santa Fe, New Mexico to Casimiro and Seferina Garcia. He was raised by his father and second Mom, Elvira, after the death of Seferina.

Casey was preceded in death by his parents; Casimiro, Seferina and Elvira; loving wife, Tillie Garcia (Vigil) of 56 years; sister Cecilia Garcia; son-in-law, Richard Villaire, in-laws, Antonio and Lena Vigil, Tony, Mela and Ruben Vigil, and Tere Garcia.

He is survived by his children: Monica Villaire-Garcia (Craig); Edwina Garcia (Sean); Franklin Garcia (Coreena); Andrea Garcia-Carey (Tim); Siblings, Tony Garcia, Carlos Garcia, Bro. Ricardo Garcia, OFM, Christella Alley (Tom), Mary Gutierrez (Tedd).

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Alex Maestas (Lauren), Aarron Martinez (Janna), Casey Villaire, Mareesa Villaire, Maya Garcia, Briannon Carey, Hannah Garcia; great-grandchildren, Naomi Martinez, Lizzie Martinez; several Godchildren, and many relatives and lifelong friends.

A 10-year-old Casey began his career working at the Ortiz Grocery Store on Galisteo Street. He continued working in the grocery business throughout high school. After graduating from St. Michael’s High School in 1954, he completed his military duty as an Army PFC from 1957-61 and earned a Good Conduct Medal.

After returning to Santa Fe, he became the assistant manager at Piggly Wiggly and later moved his family to Belen to become store manager. When Casey and family moved back to Santa Fe, he owned and operated Casey’s Mr. Kleen Laundromat on Hickox Street until 1981.

Casey also worked as an accountant with the New Mexico State Parks for 11 years. He later became an appliance salesman with Sears in Santa Fe until his retirement.

Casey was known as “Coach” by several Santa Fe locals after years of coaching Little League Baseball, and youth basketball at St. Francis Elementary and EJ Martinez Elementary in the 1980s.

Casey was best known for his love for St. Michael’s High School. He met many of his lifelong friends from his time at the school from elementary through high school. He continued to support St. Michael’s athletics for years and could tell stories of the school’s football, baseball and basketball accomplishments going back for decades. He continued to support football and basketball but became a fixture at other sports based on prodding from fans to have him support their soccer, softball, volleyball, tennis or other school events. Casey and Tillie made lifelong friends and had a designated spot at the St. Michael’s gymnasium against the top wall. Together along with friends Martha Armijo and Rosina Montoya they became known as the original “Wallies”.

He supported his children’s school careers and was a constant presence for their academic, athletic, Flamenco and piano performances.

He supported all of his grandchildren even if they did not attend St. Michael’s. He would cheer for their success during any game unless they were playing the Horsemen.

God and Family were the most important people in Casey’s life. He was a lifelong parishioner at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. He lived his Catholic Faith throughout his entire life.

The family would like to thank the Santa Fe Fire Department EMT staff for their support for Casey; the St. Vincent Hospital Staff for their treatment and rehabilitation support; and the caring hospice staff at Ambercare and Enchanted Sky. Special thanks to Taylor, Carolina, and Tony for their compassionate hospice support for Casey over the past year.

Honorary Pallbearers include lifelong friends and extended family: Richard Tippi Mares, Richard Belian, Joe Anaya Sr, Lorenzo “Guttie” Gutierrez, Martha Armijo, and Henry Ortiz.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Michael’s High School.

Rosary will be on October 28 @ 6 p.m. at Rivera Family Funeral Home; Mass of Christian burial will be October 29 at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi; followed by internment at the National Cemetery at 1 p.m.