Elpidio
”
Al
”
Garza passed away in Gilroy Tuesday, March 18, 2003 after a long
battle with diabetes.
Elpidio “Al” Garza passed away in Gilroy Tuesday, March 18, 2003 after a long battle with diabetes.
Al was born in Carrizo Springs, Texas, May 25, 1935, and moved to California in 1947. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1957, and after he was discharged moved to Gilroy in 1961. He was a member of the Painters and Tapers Local 507, San Jose. Al was a member of many organizations, including the Gilroy VFW Post 6309, Gilroy American Legion Post 217, Gilroy G.I. Forum, Morgan Hill Lions and the San Jose Moose Lodge #401. He volunteered annually at the Morgan Hill Lions Pancake Breakfast. Also every year he volunteered at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in Gourmet Alley and Hospitality. Al helped out at Friday Night Bingo at the Veteran’s Hall in Gilroy.
He left behind five brothers and one sister: Gilbert and Alice Garza of Gilroy, Joe and Dora Garza of Gilroy, Tony and Cecelia Garza of Los Banos, Walter Garza of Gilroy, Andy Garza of Atwater and Dora and Juan Castaneda of Bastrop, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents Uvaldo and Adelfa Garza. He is also survived by 20 nieces and nephews and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.
He was a fun loving, outgoing person who was very much loved by his family and friends in the community.
Rosary will be today at 6 p.m. at Habing Family Funeral Home, Gilroy. Funeral Services will begin Thursday at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Then to St. Mary’s Church for Mass at 10 a.m.
Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Gilroy. Family would appreciate donation to the American Diabetes Society.
