Juan Abrego Garcia's Obituary
Juan A. Garcia of San Antonio, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the age of 79. Born in Mercedes, Texas, on November 16, 1945, to Alberto G. and Catarina A. Garcia who have preceded him in death, Juan lived a life defined by service, generosity, and joy.
From humble beginnings, Juan learned the value of hard work early—shining shoes and working in the fields as a migrant worker as a young boy to earn what he could. These formative years shaped the man, he would become resilient, compassionate, and endlessly giving. His mother instilled in him and his siblings the importance of love and respect, values that Juan carried with him throughout his life.
Juan proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force, including a tour in Vietnam. In 1969, he married the love of his life, Virginia C. Garcia, with whom he shared a devoted partnership until her passing in 2013. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, warmth, and the unwavering belief in the power of family.
Juan was a loving father to three children: Giovanni Garcia (Delma) of Houston, JC Garcia of San Francisco, and Cynthia Garcia of San Antonio. He was also a proud grandfather to two grandsons—Christopher, son of Giovanni, and Manny, son of Cynthia—whom he loved deeply. Even in his final days, Juan’s thoughts were with them. He didn’t want to leave them behind and wished only the best for their futures. His love for them was unwavering, a reflection of the kind of man he was: devoted, selfless, and full of heart.
Juan worked as a flight standards investigator in the early part of his 35 year career with the Federal Aviation Administration in Lubbock, TX and finished as an inspector with the MIDO, San Antonio office, a career marked by diligence and integrity. After a long day at work, he’d come home, ask Gio, JC or Cynthia to take off his boots, one hand on the heel and one on the toe, settle into his favorite chair, and crack open a Schaefer Light—his well-earned moment of peace.
But Juan was never just about work. He was the life of every party, the storyteller who could keep you laughing until the sun came up. His happy place was his patio, where he’d sit with a cold beer in hand, surrounded by music that spanned generations—from the golden oldies of the '50s, to the raw energy of The Doors, to the vibrant rhythms of Tejano. His yard was always immaculate, his barbecue gatherings legendary, and his heart open to all. Tio Juan, as he was affectionately known, gave freely—offering housing to nieces and nephews, making sure everyone was taken care of, and always putting others before himself.
He had a gift for making friends wherever he went, greeting everyone with a smile and a warm welcome. Being raised by a strong, single, independent mother, Juan became a remarkable dad—teaching his children the value of hard work, the importance of striving for better, and the strength found in family.
A man of deep faith and service, Juan achieved the highest degree, Fourth Degree, with the Knights of Columbus, Chapter 3008, embodying the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.
Juan is preceded in death by two of his brothers: Pedro Garcia of La Blanca, TX, whose wife Aurora survives him, and Alberto G. Garcia of Archibold, Ohio, survived by his wife Andrea. He is also survived by three brothers: Alberto G. Garcia Jr. (Mary Kay) of Harlingen, Claudio Garcia (Irma) of Mercedes, and Oscar Garcia of Mercedes. He leaves behind many, many nieces and nephews who were blessed by his generosity, humor, and love.
Juan’s legacy is one of laughter, generosity, and love. He leaves behind a community of family and friends who were better for having known him, and who will carry forward the lessons he lived by every day.
Written by JC Garcia and Cynthia Garcia
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