Higinio "Gene" Garza

On the July 4, 2017 in San Jose, Higinio (Gene) Garza (age 88), earned his wings at home peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Higinio (Gene) Garza was born January 11, 1929 in Hebbronville, Texas. His parents were Emilio and Antonia Garza. He was the second oldest of his siblings: Francisco (Frank), Emilio Jr.✝, Ramon✝, and Maria Del Socorro (Nina). In 1942, at the urging of Antonia’s sister, his parents moved their family to Lorain, Ohio to work at the local steel mill. Eventually Frank and Higinio worked with their father at the steel mill. On February 18, 1946 Higinio bravely enlisted during World War II. He was stationed in Okinawa with a rank of Sergeant, assigned to Headquarters and Base Service Squadron 559th Air Service Group as a Clerk Typist. On September 2, 1947 he was honorably discharged. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal-Japan. During his time in the Army Air Corp, Higinio’s eldest son Higinio G. Garza was born on July 20, 1946 from a previous marriage. During his time in the service Higinio took up electronics. Higinio utilized his GI bill and attended technical school (3 years) in Cleveland. He worked part time to pursue his education.

Higinio eventually worked as a Television-Radio repairman. Lorain, Ohio is where Higinio met Aucencia. She moved from Houston, Texas at the age of 17. They were married on May 31st, 1949. In December 1949, their first child Jesusita, was born. Six other children followed: October 1951 Maria Antonia (Toni), May 1954 Maria Angelica (Angie) in St Johns, Michigan, where the family lived while Higinio attended another technical school. Later the family returned to live in Lorain. In October 1955 Ermelinda (Linda) was born, October 1956 Anna Maria, May 1958 Margarita, May 1959 Joseph Angel (Pepe) and August 1960 Arturo Juan (Tudy). In 1962 Higinio and Aucencia decided to relocate the family to California where there was an abundance of television repair jobs. Aucencia’s parents send want ads from Sunnyvale, California on a regular basis. On August 5, 1962 their journey began. They drove a 1956 Chevy Station Wagon filled with 7 children, and all of their worldly belongings. Infant Arturo had space on the floorboard. Jesusita and a pregnant Aucencia sat in the front seat. The car roof was supported with a 2x4 in the middle. Their trip ended in Sunnyvale, California and were greeted by Aucencia’s family. Higinio was able to find work as a television repairman. Later he worked for American Business Machines in San Jose. The two youngest children Esperanza and Rene were born in San Jose, California: November 1962 Esperanza (Baby-Goo)✝ and January 1964 Rene Juan. In July 1964 Higinio and Aucencia bought their current home on Terilyn Avenue. On February 1, 1974 Higinio became an Office Machine Repair Technician for the Santa Clara County Department of GSA. He later transferred to Santa Clara County Communications Department. He retired on August 1, 1992.

Higinio was an active member of the Santa Clara American GI Forum and later was a part of the Santa Clara Valley American GI Forum and also the San Jose chapters. Higinio belongs to the Knights of Columbus at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He later became a member of the American Legion and Veterans Helping Veterans Brotherhood. Higinio was an active league bowler most of his life. Aucencia and his adult children participated in a family bowling league ‘La Amistad’ organized by his son Higinio. He loved all sports & supported the local teams but his lifetime favorites were the Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns. He instilled the love of sports in all generations after him. Higinio had a great sense of humor and loved telling new jokes. His sons continue the tradition. Higinio taught his children the use of tools and household repair. His work ethic, love and respect for all along with his fierce dedication to family has been a proud role model to his children and their families.

Mr. Garza is survived by his wife Aucencia. He has eleven children: Higinio G. Garza (Martha), Jesusita (Albert ✝) Alcorcha, Toni (Frank) Chaparro, Angie (Mark) Eakin, Linda (Herminio) Rodriguez, Anna (Adam) Sanchez, Margarita (Carl) Wergin, Joseph (Pamela Kian) Garza, Art Garza and Rene (Tina) Garza. He was preceded in death by their youngest daughter Esperanza ✝. He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren: Ruben, Juan (Tonia), Yvonne (Steven), Yolanda (Samantha), Estella (Robert), Christina (Paul), Robert, Cynthia (John), Alaina (Raul), Adam Jr. (Alejandra), David, Sammy, Jessica, Rene Jr., and Jeannette.

18 great grandchildren: Jared, Joseph, Adriana, Daniel, Ruben, Adrian, Antonia, Anastasia, Araceli, Olivia, Celina, Angelina, Alexander, Anthony, Elijah, Alyssa, Daniel, and Jacob. 2 great great grandchildren: Audrina and Davina.