Frederick Garcia

Born on January 25, 1945, in Houston, Texas to Theodore Tejeda Garcia and Concepcion Reyes Garcia, Frederick passed away on December 17th, in hospice care with his wife Janne Lanzoni, son Anthony Diego Garcia-Lanzoni and spouse Samantha Osborne, son Benjamin Theodore Garcia-Lanzoni and spouse Priscilla M. Mensah, his granddaughter Julianne Abena Mensah Garcia-Lanzoni and grandson Julius Kwaku Mensah Garcia-Lanzoni, his brother Ralph Leslie Garcia and church members and friends by his side.

Fred lived much of his life on the “Northside” at 2124 Gano. Where he attended Betsy Ross elementary, Marshall Middle and graduated from Jefferson Davis High School in 1963. He was a part of JROTC and the Chess Club. He attended the University of Houston. He was drafted into the army where he served until August 1969. He ended his service as a Specialist 4th class.

Member of Houston Astronomical Society since the age of 12. He held many leadership and teaching roles as an officer, stood on various committees and volunteered at the dark site, Astronomy Day and other community outreach events. Where he shared his love and knowledge of astronomy at first as an amateur observer. and later after attending the University of Houston and receiving degrees in Mathematics and Physics, as a professional. Through his work as an optics technician and consultant at Texas Nautical Repair/Land Sea and Sky. Where his knowledge and experience of optics was sought by both amateurs and professionals alike throughout the world. Even after his retirement he continued to share his deep love of astronomy.

In 1983 Fred, with the encouragement of his father, who was now retired. Began on a different kind of celestial journey seeking his ancestors through genealogy. He started at Clayton Library. Where he became a regular visitor to the microfilm room. Later In the Clayton Carriage House on a Wednesday in 1983 he attended his first meeting of the newly formed Hispanic Genealogical Society of Houston. At that meeting he met a cousin he never knew, Nick Hinojosa and immediately joined the group. Fred held leadership and standing committee positions and helped organize the groups journal and conferences. Where he continued to be an active member until his death.

His family history search continued to guide him toward heaven. When he and our family became members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1994. It is our knowledge of Heavenly Fathers plan that comforts us as we say goodbye. Although we are very sad at Fred’s passing. Our family knows that he is now without the pain, and suffering of illness, and is being embraced by all his family and friends that have gone before him. We know that there is quite a gathering welcoming him into heaven. Fred was as I called him “a people collector” someone who made friends easily and held onto each friend and family member tightly with care and love. All who knew him were blessed to have him be a part of their lives.

In the words of Roy Rodgers and Dale Evans whom Fred met as a boy while watching a parade in Houston, Texas. “Happy Trails to you, until we meet again.”

Happy Trails

Song by Roy Rogers

Some trails are happy ones,

Others are blue.

It's the way you ride the trail that counts,

Here's a happy one for you.

Happy trails to you,

Until we meet again.

Happy trails to you,

Keep smiling until then.

Who cares about the clouds when we're together?

Just sing a song, and bring the sunny weather.

Happy trails to you,

Until we meet again.

A visitation for Frederick will be held Monday, January 6, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, January 7, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7699 Fallbrook Dr, Houston, TX 77086. A committal with military honors will occur Tuesday, January 7, 2025 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038.