My heart is broken upon learning that my dear friend passed away . You were such a pleasure every time you came to the doctor's office.  I always had time for a hug from you. May you rest in peace . Till we meet again fly high with the angels 

First of all my deepest condolences to the entire Berlanga Family. I have known the Berlanga's since I was a little girl.  From my the stories my parents used to tell my brothers and myself. They used to go on double dates in their younger days way before  any of our parents had children or married.  It was then we remained friends for a life time. My brothers and all of the Berlanga siblings were all like brothers and sisters. In my family I have 3 older brothers and I am the youngest sister.  They have 4 older sons and 1 younger daughter. It was perfect!  ONCE GIANT FAMILY! We traveled to Houston and they traveled to San Antonio every chance we had. We never stayed in hotels . We stayed at each others houses.  From celebrating weddings, and celebrating Quince's mine and Maria's. I missed those days. I am sadden that I could not attend the services, but please know you are all in my prayers.  Our parents have finally reunited in the most beautiful place, God's Kingdom! We love you all so much! Tight (((HUGS))) 
THE GARZA FAMILY 
Grace Garza
Louis Garza
Michael Garza
Mark Garza
San Antonio, TX 

I met Emetero the first time about 25 years ago working a church bazaar At Our Lady of St. Johns. 
I became friends with him at The Salvation Army Prime Time senior Program. I volunteer and saw him helping not only as a participan, but also helping others as a volunteer himself.
He always greeted me with asking, how's it going Johnny?  I always replied, It's going. 
Today it's going a little sader because I will miss you. But, it's going better because I knew you and your memory of friendship will live on with me.
May God bless your family and loved ones in the days and years to come. 

I met Emmett at the Salvation Army in 2002 when I was fifteen years old.  I was participating in a three-week program at my school that involved volunteering at the Salvation Army’s Prime Time Seniors program and interviewing and writing a paper about one of the participants.  I don’t remember why I happened to pick Emmett to write my paper about, but I know that that moment was destiny.

During those three weeks, Emmett made a deep impression on me through his youthful, fun-loving spirit, his intriguing nature, and, most of all, his warmth and gentleness, and over the course of my time at the Salvation Army, we became friends.  After my school’s program ended, I kept returning to the Salvation Army to spend time with Emmett, and our friendship deepened until we considered each other grandfather and granddaughter.

If I attempted to write down all the wonderful memories I have of spending time with Emmett, this letter would be as long as a book.  Emmett taught me to waltz.  He gave me advice.  He attended my high school graduation.  We spent so many joyful mornings dancing cumbia together.  Other times, I would delight in listening to him sing in Spanish.  We talked about everything from family to our concerns to dreams for the future.  I always knew I could come to him with anything, and he knew that the reverse was true.  For almost twenty years now, hardly a week has passed when the two of us did not speak by phone.  

It meant the world to me that Emmett kept my photograph in his wallet alongside that of his children and grandchildren and that he would introduce me to strangers simply as his granddaughter with no further explanation.  I was so proud to claim him and to be claimed by him.  Being Emmett’s granddaughter has been one of the most special and most important parts of my life.  Mi abuelito vivirá en mi corazon para siempre.

OBITUARY

Emeterio Garza Berlanga

June 25, 1929 – April 24, 2019

Brookside Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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