Joe Garcia Obituary

Joe David Garcia passed away on June 20, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Garcia was born on July 30, 1931, in San Jose, New Mexico. He was 93 years of age. Mr. Garcia served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. Mr. Garcia and his wife, Vera, moved to Grants in 1959. He worked for Grants Municipal Schools from 1957 to 1970 as an educator. He also attained his Master's Degree and was an Associate Professor for Eastern New Mexico University. Upon his retirement in 1985, he and his wife owned J & V Furniture. They served the community for over 20 years. He was a devoted member of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, where he served alongside his wife in the Ultreya and Cursillo groups. Mr. Garcia also served as a DJ for KMIN radio, hosting the Spanish radio program for 12 years. Mr. Garcia was the beloved patriarch of the family. The memories are countless. He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed. He is survived by his children: Ruth V. Hambright; Michael R. Garcia and his wife Veronica; Peggy Saavedra and her husband Juan "Johnny"; Debra D. Estrada and her husband Dan; Jose F. Garcia and his wife JoAnn; Agnes F. "Aggie" Ornelas and her husband Erick; Geraldine Vallejos and her husband Les; and Camille Jaramillo and her companion Tommy Trujillo. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Henry Montoya Sr.; 19 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren; his brother, Jerry Garcia, and his wife Frances, as well as sister-in-laws, Elia McComie and Esther Morales, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Mr. Garcia was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Vera Garcia; his parents, Frutoso Garcia and Magdalena Gallegos Garcia; two daughters, Sally Montoya and Mary Diana Garcia; and numerous siblings. A public visitation will be held at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church on Monday, June 30, 2025, beginning at 6:00 PM. A Rosary Vigil will follow at 7:00 PM. On Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 10:00 AM, a Mass will be celebrated at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Grants Memorial Park. Pallbearers include John F. Hambright III, Arthur Garcia, Henry Montoya Jr., Gabriel Saavedra, Nicolas Estrada, Adam Ornelas, Juaquin Vallejos, and Mark D. Jaramillo. Honorary Pallbearers include all his grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Cope Memorial Chapel is entrusted with arrangements. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joe D. Garcia, please visit our floral store.