It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Reynaldo Garcia, age 75, of Modesto, California, on Saturday, January 4, 2025. Born in Arlington, Texas, to Maria De La Luz Castilleja and Ventura Garcia, Reynaldo was a man whose strength and kindness touched everyone who knew him.
Reynaldo met his first wife, Juanita Vara Garcia, at the age of 19, and together they raised a beautiful family, having four children: Lupe, Dina, Carmela, and Irma. They enjoyed many years together, building a life filled with love and watching their family grow, which included the blessings of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Juanita passed away in 2014, after having shared a remarkable journey together. Later, Reynaldo met Mary, and they were married a few years after. Reynaldo embraced a new chapter in his life when he converted to Jehovah’s Witness and enjoyed attending church with Mary every Sunday, a tradition that brought him much joy.
Reynaldo had an incredible ability to fix anything and everything. He loved his Spanish and Mexican music, and there was nothing that made him feel more alive than dressing in his cowboy boots, leather vest, and his cherished Texas belt—his signature look. Though he spoke little, Reynaldo’s humor and warmth shone through in his actions. He was dependable, steady, and always there for his family.
Reynaldo enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, including taking peaceful walks on his electric scooter. He had a remarkable memory, and even when words became difficult, he still found ways to communicate with those around him. He loved giving directions—whether it was while driving or walking, he would motion with his hands to tell us when to turn left or right at an intersection, never missing a beat. It was just another way he showed his love and care for those around him, always making sure we were on the right path, even when he couldn’t speak.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Garcia; his children: Lupe Garcia, Dina Jimenez (Edward), Carmela Garcia (Daniel), and Irma Corrales (Tom); his brothers: Gil, Fortino, and Jose Garcia; his sisters: Carmela Garcia and Irma Garcia; his step-children: Debbie Wilke, Cindy Wilke, Larry Wilke, Brenda Wilke, and Robert Nacianceno; his 5 step-grandchildren; his 14 step-great-grandchildren; and his grandchildren: Isabella, Crystal, Alyssa, Reyine, Samantha, WisdomHeaven, RighteousTrue, Skylet, Penny, Mia, Julieanna, Adriana, along with his great-grandchildren: Rene, Nicole, Athalia, Asher, Hannah, Alayna, Jalen, Eliyanah, Nehemiah, Sienna, Julius, Remi, Nahla, and Jionni.
Reynaldo was preceded in death by his first wife, Juanita Vara Garcia; his mother, Maria De La Luz Castilleja; his father, Ventura Garcia; his brother, Mingo Garcia; and his sister, Lupe Garcia.
A celebration of life for Reynaldo will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service, 286 West Main, Turlock, CA 95380. A graveside service will follow at 12:30 PM at Lakewood Memorial Park, 900 Santa Fe Avenue, Hughson, CA 95326.
