Isaias M. Garza
July 6, 1930 – March 21, 2022
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Isaias M. Garza, 91, on Monday, March 21, 2022. He transitioned at home peacefully surrounded by his loving family.
Dad was born and raised in Laredo, Texas, where he spent his childhood in the downtown area. As a young boy he was often sent to sell leche quemada candy in the vicinity of the Royal, Tivoli, and Plaza Theaters. To help supplement the family’s income, he was a migrant worker for most of his formative years. Dad did not have a formal education but was an avid reader especially books on philosophy. Our dad was a free thinker. He enjoyed open conversations about current events, politics, and religion in order to get a glimpse of his children’s worldview. He often referred to maxims in teachable moments. One of his favorite was, “el que sabe amar, sabe mas” (The one who knows how to love, knows more).
In order to support his growing family, he took correspondence courses in electronics and fixed electrical appliances. He worked for City Service Furniture and American National Insurance Company where he garnered several awards including top salesman nationally for seven consecutive years. He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard and later opened United Furniture and Appliance and Garzita’s Thrift Store in downtown Laredo.
In 1949, Dad met the love of his life, Felicitas Lozano, at Plaza Hidalgo in Nuevo Laredo and after a short courtship, they married and raised ten children. Daddy took great pride in being a father and worked up to three jobs to provide for his family. He often would say, “Yo los traje al mundo y es mi responsabilidad en mantenerlos.” (I brought you into this world, and it is my responsibility to see you through.) So as head of the family, his goal was to ensure that his children had the opportunities to excel. His strong work ethic was stellar and taught his children the value of hard work, education, kindness, and the importance of being decent. He loved his life and found joy in the smallest of things.
Preceding Mr. Garza in death are his parents, Fabian and Juanita Garza, his in-laws Jesus and Petrita Lozano, his siblings Miguel, Fabian, Agustin, Jaime, Ventura, Anselmo, Sofia, and Juanita; Granddaughter Marcela Gonzalez; Grandson Ricardo Ezequiel Garza, and Daughter-in-Law Barbara Garza.
Surviving him is his beloved wife of 72 years, Felicitas Garza, his ten children: Zonia (Luis) Garza, Martha (Luis) Gonzalez, Myrna (Richard) LeBrun, Isaias Garza, Norma (Ramiro) Garcia, Irma Garza, Jesus “Chuy” Garza, Marissa (Hilario) Quiroga, Ricardo (Adelina) Garza, and Maria Isela (Gerardo) Cruz. Grandchildren: Luis (Erica), Dianne, Denise (Aaron) Cano, and David (Ana) Garza; Marty (Valdin) Gonzalez, Louie (Karla), Rob (Claudia), J J, and Sebastian Gonzalez; Linda and Rick LeBrun II; Issy III, Karla, and Wayo Garza; Noemi (Rieck) Beiersdorf and Ramiro Garcia, Jr.; Vanessa (Abiel) Saldivar, Kristina, and Eli Quiroga; Hannah and Sophie Garza; Carolina, Gabriela, and Gerardo J. Cruz, 26 great grandchildren, and 7 great great grandchildren. Also surviving him is his brother Tomas Garza and sister-in-law Benedicta Gordillo.
Pallbearers will be Judge Jesus “Chuy” Garza (Ret.), Ricardo Garza, Luis Garza, Jr., Louie Gonzalez, Jr., Rick LeBrun II, Wayo Garza, Dr. Ramiro Garcia, Jr., Eli Quiroga III, and Gerardo J. Cruz
Honorary Pallbearers: Dr. Isaias Garza, Jr., Luis Garza, Sr., Luis Gonzalez, Sr., Richard LeBrun, Sr., Ramiro Garcia, Sr., Hilario Quiroga, Jr., Dr. Adelina Garza, and Dr. Gerardo G. Cruz.
A special “thank you” to our brother, Dr. Isaias Garza, Jr., for his unwavering medical attention throughout the years and the guidance he gave us to better assist our dear Dad. In addition, the family would like to thank Dr. Ocatavio Guman, cardiologist, for his commitment to our father’s well being.
The family will be receiving guests on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. A Prayer Service will be officiated at 10:30 am. Interment will follow to the City of Laredo Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr., Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 723-3611. For your convenience, you may leave your condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com