Saleztino Garza

Saleztino Garza, better known as “Sal” or “Big Sal” was born to Manuel and Delfina Garza on February 23rd, 1945. He gained his wings early Sunday morning on the 8th of June, 2025. Sal spent his final days, as he did majority of his time, surrounded by his loved ones.

Sal spent his young childhood years alongside his brothers and sisters in Frederick, Oklahoma, where they grew up. When Sal was 17 years old, he moved to Bryan, Texas. This is where he married the love of his life, Melba Garza on August 17th, 1968. In 1973, they welcomed their daughter, Cheri, into this world, followed by their son, Sal, in 1977.

Sal spent numerous years working for Young Brothers Construction, from where he eventually retired.

After retiring, Sal and Melba dedicated their lives to their grandchildren, and helping their son begin his journey as a business owner as he opened his restaurant, Garpez Authentic Mexican Food. When Sal was not alongside his wife, daughter, son and granddaughter at the restaurant, helping make delicious salsa and tasty chips, he was at home taking care of his grandchildren or being handy around the house.

Sal had the blessing of staying home often with all four of his grandkids, making them the best breakfast, watching cartoons with them, and teaching them how to color, play puzzles and much more. In his most recent years, Sal also had the opportunity to care for his two great-grandsons, which he adored dearly.

Sal is preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Delfina Garza; his brothers, Gregory, Tony, Robert, Ricky; his sister, Gloria; and his son, Sal.

He is survived by his wife, Melba Garza; daughter and son-in-law, Cheri and Anthony Alvarado; granddaughter, Kelsey Garza and boyfriend, Elias Sauseda; granddaughter, Sydni Alvarado and fiance, Anthony Romero; grandsons, Carlos Garza and Kane Alvarado; great-grandsons, Eli Sal Sauseda and Kade Robert Sauseda; sister, Wallie and husband Johnny Flores; sister, Eva and husband Gabriel Cervantes; along with numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.

Sal’s family has peace in knowing that he was a man of strong faith and knew the Lord. They rejoice in knowing he has been united with God and his son, Little Sal. They take comfort in knowing they will all reunite one day and be together again.

While Sal is no longer here with us on earth, he now has eternal life with our creator. He was loved immensely and will be missed dearly.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”.

The family would like to send a special thank you to the nurses at Traditions Home Health for all the care they provided.

Funeral services for Sal will be held at Memorial Funeral Chapel Bryan, Monday, June 16, 2025. Visitation for the public will begin at 10:15 AM and the service will follow at 11:00 AM. Following the service, the family will lay Sal to rest at Bryan City Cemetery.