Hilario Garza

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Hilario Garza, who left this world on May 29, 2025, at the age of 85. He passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on October 17, 1939, in Harlingen, Texas, Hilario was a strong-willed, fiercely independent man who lived entirely on his terms. Known for his stubborn streak and unwavering convictions, he never backed down from what he believed in. That same strength and deep sense of integrity live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

He is survived by his children: Adelita Garza, Maria De Leon, Noe (Nelda) Garza, Javier (Haydee) Garza, Christina Garza, and Adolfo Tovar. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren. Samuel (Nina) De Leon Jr., Joe (Evelyn) De Leon, Delila (Bobby) Ambriz, Emilio (Yazmin) De Leon, Javier E. Garza Jr., Nadia Garza, Maria Isabel Rubio, Christopher (Briana) Rubio, Nerissa (Ezequiel) Lopez, and Elijah (Karly) De Leon, as well as 10 great-grandchildren, who will carry forward his stories, his values, and his unmistakable spirit.

Hilario is also survived by his siblings: Jose Oscar Garza, Rene (Virginia) Garza, Juana (Eugenio) Martinez, Consuelo Torres, and Ernesto Garza, along with numerous nieces and nephews who were all touched by his love, humor, and generosity.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Maria Leonarda Garza, his son Jose Eugenio Garza, his parents, Eugenio and Nicolasa Garza, and 10 siblings.

A lifelong laborer, Hilario found peace and purpose in the soil. He loved plants and the quiet satisfaction of hard work. He wasn’t one for grand speeches, but his actions always spoke volumes. He showed love through quiet sacrifice, unspoken strength, and simply showing up when others needed him most.

He also enjoyed life's simple pleasures. Whether it was a fresh stack of scratch-off tickets or a day at the racetrack, he found joy in the anticipation, the excitement, and the occasional big win. For him, it was never about the money – it was about the moment, the thrill, and the hope that luck might be on his side.

Hilario had a remarkable way of making people laugh. However, a man of few words, his sense of humor, warmth, and love were always deeply felt and clearly seen. His presence was comfort, his loyalty was unshakable, and his love was unconditional.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Heavenly Grace, where we invite friends and family to gather and remember a man who was as tough as he was tender and utterly unforgettable. Burial will be on Thursday, June 12, at 10:00 a.m., departing from Heavenly Grace to his final resting place, Rest Lawn Memorial Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be:

Samuel De Leon Jr. Joe De Leon, Emilio De Leon, Javier E. Garza Jr. Christopher James Rubio, and Elijah De Leon.

Honary Pallbearer, Bobby Ambriz.

Though we will miss him dearly, we take comfort in knowing he is now in God's presence—at peace, reunited with loved ones, and surely still watching over us with that same quiet strength and wry smile.

Rest easy, Dad. Your legacy lives on in all of us.

The family would also like to thank Mount Sinai Hospice for their attentiveness to our father in his last days. Nurse Aida Torres and Nurse Cassandra Martinez did an amazing job with him, and we will forever be grateful! Thank you!