Celestino Garza Sr.

April 19, 1955 – August 2, 2026

Celestino “Tino” Garza Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on August 2, 2026, at the age of 71.

Tino was preceded in death by his son, Julio “Joel” Garza; his parents, Eusebio and Maria Cruz Garza; his brother Isaias; sisters Nora, Blanca, and Elsa; and his beloved in-laws, Jose “Pepe” and Annie Perez and brother-in-law Freddie Perez.

He is survived by his wife, Yolanda; son Celestino “Tino” Garza Jr. and precious daughter-in-law Anabel Garza; grandchildren Tino III and Ynez Garza; and his future granddaughter Camila. He is also survived by his brothers Eusebio “Bobby” Garza of Merced, Everardo “Lalo” Garza of Texas, and Noe Garza of Texas, along with his sisters Elva, Araceli, and Dalila of Texas and Dahlia of Delhi. His sister in-laws Lucia, Martha, Rita, Elena, Victoria and his little brother Rey as well as numerous extended family members and lifelong friends.

Tino was born on April 19, 1955, in Pharr, Texas, to Eusebio and Maria Cruz Garza. His family moved to Merced, California, in the early 1960s, where he attended local schools Margaret Sheehy Elementary, Tenaya Junior High, Merced High East and North campus. Tino spent his life taking care of his family. They were everything to him.

In 1977 Tino married his High School sweetheart Yolanda Perez and shared 49 years of marriage with her. Together they had sons, Celestino “Tino” Garza Jr. and Julio “Joel” Garza. He was a proud grandfather to Tino Garza III and Ynez Garza and was eagerly looking forward to meeting his newest grandchild on the way, Camila Garza.

From childhood and throughout his teenage years Tino worked in the fields up and down California even traveling with his family to Montana to work. Living in the migrant camps along the way. He was proud of his roots, always knew what true hard work was and wanted better for himself and family. At 19 years old he was introduced to Railroad work by his father-in-law Pepe. The two shared a special friendship and bond that couldn’t be described. Tino began his railroad career with the Southern Pacific Railroad which later turned into The Union Pacific Railroad where he retired from in 2015 after more than four decades of service.

Tino had a lifelong passion for lowriding, custom cars and all Chicano culture. His favorite cars were his 66 and 64 Impala. He loved talking hydraulics and kandy paint with his boys Tino Jr and Tino III and going to car shows with the whole family Landa, Ynez and Anabel. He never got enough of seeing his Cienfuegos nephews in action or his club represent and taking care of business. Tino was a proud member of the Carnales Unidos Car Club joining first in 1976 with the Goshen Chapter where he forged lifelong friendships with his compadre Henry Torres Sr. And Bakersfield founder Xavier "Harvey" Reyes. Later on in 1978 he brought the club home and started the Merced chapter with his hometown friends.

On July 11, 1981 he was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. He would spend the rest of his life dedicated to Jehovah God and preaching the good news about God's promise of a better life to come granted to us through the sacrifice of his Son Jesus Christ.

Tino also had a special love for animals. Throughout his life he had exotic birds, fish, turtles, rabbits, but his favorite of all were his dogs. He had a particular affection for all the bully breeds, they were his cherished companions and members of his family.

Tino will be remembered for his devotion to his wife and family, his strong work ethic, his love of cars and lowriding, his loyalty to his friends and club brothers, his compassion for animals, and his enduring faith. He looked forward to the promise at John 5:28,29 of a resurrection to life on a paradise Earth.

He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy that will continue through his children, grandchildren, family, and friends.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished. Psalms 83:18 John 17:3.