Ruben A. Garcia

Ruben Acosta Garcia of Avondale, AZ, was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, and community leader. He died peacefully in his home on September 14, 2025 at 87 years of age.

Born on July 7, 1938 in Cashion, AZ, Ruben was the eldest son of Esteban and Consuelo Garcia. He finished grammar school within the Tolleson Elementary School District and was promoted to Tolleson High School. At 14 years of age, Ruben’s father enlisted his help irrigating fields around the southwest valley after school as his first job. Ruben also spent long summers during his high school years picking fruit in San Jose, California, work that led him to meet César Chávez, the infamous farm worker and civil rights activist. In 1957, Ruben became the first in his family to graduate from high school and did so as a four-year letterman in baseball and basketball. His hard work and determination during his early years translated into a life full of achievement and community service spanning over five decades.

On August 3, 1957, Ruben married his high school sweetheart, Helen Alicia Vigil. The couple were blessed with six sons, Steve, Ruben Jr., Henry, Miguel, Carlos, Manuel, and their only daughter, Esther. They recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary, which Ruben and Helen have said was made possible because they built their family on a foundation of love, faith, and service to others. Ruben was a dedicated and active parishioner of the St. John Vianney Catholic Church.

After getting married, Ruben began his 28-year career of loyal and effective service with the Maricopa County Department of Transportation, Operations Division. He spent the majority of his career as a supervisor before retiring in 1992. After his retirement, Ruben acted as a consultant for the county, a position which involved him in projects all over the valley and afforded him the opportunity to take a trip to China.

Ruben also dedicated 25 years of continuous service to the Knights of Columbus, Council 4737. He was a Fourth Degree member of Father Joseph T O’Callahan Assembly and served as Financial Secretary, District Deputy of #13 Arizona State Council, Grand Knight, and Past Grand Knight. Ruben also received awards and recognition for his merit, dedication, and devotion toward the church and others, and accepted an honorary lifetime membership. Ruben’s devotion to the Knights of Columbus was also evident in several other ways. Not only did Ruben run bingo for the Knights of Columbus at the Grand Hall at St. John Vianney, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Legion Post 61, but he also made his famous green chili, which he learned to make from his loving wife, for numerous events and fundraisers.

When not engaged in work and spiritual service, Ruben enjoyed combining his propensity for leadership and love of being physically active. He took great pride in being a Boy and Cub Scout leader, coaching his sons’ Little League and Pop Warner teams, and coaching his older granddaughters’ softball teams. As a result of his involvement in his children and grandchildren’s lives in this way, Ruben received numerous awards and commendations. He received awards of appreciation for being a Cub Scout leader (1973, 1975), an Order of Merit Award from Boy Scouts of America (1981), and Pop Warner Junior League Football certificates of appreciation for being equipment manager, assistant coach, and head coach for teams like the Thunderchiefs, Phantoms, Starfighters, Jr. Jets, Cougars, Wildcats, and more (1976 - 1998). Ruben received an Outstanding Service Award (1993) from the Westside Recreation Program for his untiring efforts. He also volunteered with the fire department, as well as at the Southwest Lending Closet for 10 years to ensure those in need had access to accessibility and other assistive devices.

Over the last four decades, Ruben’s grandchildren remember him best as being a supportive, dependable Tata who showed up to an unending list of events like their high school musicals, marching band competitions, soccer games, baseball games, volleyball games, football games, wrestling matches, college and graduate school graduations, weddings, and the births of their children. Ruben was unfailingly proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, boasting about them to anyone who would listen.

Ruben will be remembered fondly by all who knew him, as his life was a testament to love, service, and unwavering faith.

Ruben is survived by his wife Helen Garcia; his sons, Steve (Nancy) Garcia, Ruben Garcia Jr., Henry (Margie) Garcia, Miguel Garcia, and Carlos (Lisa) Garcia; his daughter Esther (Lyle) Martinez; his 13 grandchildren, Isaac (Lysandra), Michele (Brian), Jessica (Aaron), Jennifer (Pearl), Mitchell, Carlie (Rhiannon), Adam, Serena (César), Zoë, Viggo, Oliver, Marisa (Brandon), and David; his 8 great-grandchildren Brayden, Cillian, Dylan, Ethan, Fabian, Ruby (Kenny), Damian, and Hudson; and his brother Monty. Ruben was preceded in death by his son Manuel Garcia, parents Esteban and Consuelo Garcia, and his brother Pete Garcia.

A viewing will be held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church 800 W. Loma Linda Blvd. Goodyear AZ, 85338 on Monday September 29th, 2025 at 9:30am, followed by a rosary at 10:00am and funeral mass at 10:30am. Burial will follow in procession after mass at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery 9925 W. Thomas Rd. Avondale AZ, 85392.