Jose de la Garza, Jr.

Jose de la Garza, Jr., US Navy Retired, was called home to be with the Lord on August 26, 2023 in Laredo, Texas.  Jose proudly served the United States Armed Forces for over 26 years in the US Navy, having been stationed in places such as San Diego, California, San Diego Naval Base Class of 1955. He was a Cold War Veteran, having been assigned to the USS Essex CV-9 and ultimately retiring on the USS Bunker Hill. While serving his country, he traveled the world, crossing the Equator, while earning his Shellback.  During his years of service he received multiple letters of commendation while serving abroad various ships, such as the following medals: Navy Reserve Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. “

Mr. De La Garza was also inducted into the Royal Order of the Rock for passing through the Strait of Gibraltar; the Royal Order of the Suez for transit through the Suez Canal; the Royal Order of the Blue Noses for crossing the arctic; the Silent Mysteries of the Far East for crossing the 180th Meridian; the Realm of the South Wind for sailing around the American continent at Cape Horn, and the Domain of Neptunus Rex certifying his worthiness and being initiated into the Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of the Deep. 

Joe, or Dad, as his family referred to him, loved to speak about his time in the Navy. He also enjoyed watching football, baseball, celebrating with his family and building model airplanes, naval ships and classic cars in his garage.

He returned to Laredo to be with the love of his life and raise his family. He worked as a Pharmacy Tech for Rodriguez Pharmacy and IBW before his retirement. He will be forever missed and cherished in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Jose de la Garza Sr. and Manuela Morales de la Garza; siblings: Eduardo de la Garza, Sylvia Cook; and an infant grandson, and George Gerardo Bernardini.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 63 years of marriage, Elsa I. de la Garza; children: Diana (Ricardo R.) Vera, Jose de la Garza III; grandchildren: Liza (Eric R.) Hale, Ruben (Tanya) Lecea, Ricardo R. (Kristian Amanda) Vera Jr., Robert Vera, Jennifer Elaine (Alfredo) Gonzalez, Jasmine Lee de la Garza; great-grandchildren: Celine Hale, Christine Hale, Alex Lecea, Aria Lecea, Ava Lecea, Kayla Flores, Hayle Bernardini, Jase Gutierrez, and a great-granddaughter due in October, Olivia Adriana Vera; siblings: Melchor (Coreene +) de la Garza, Amelia (Dennis) Clemons, Guadalupe (Sylvia) de la Garza; sister-in-law: Estela de la Garza, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held the morning of August 31, 2023, from 9 am until 12 noon in the Hillside Funerals & Cremations Chapel.

Funeral service will commence at 12 noon in the funeral chapel.

Procession will form and depart the chapel to the Laredo City Cemetery-Veteran's Section. Rite of Committal and Interment with Military Honors will be rendered at the Heroe's Hall. Military Honors will be provided by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard and Laredo Veterans Honor Guard.

Pallbearers will be: Jose de la Garza III, Ricardo R. Vera, Eric R. Hale, Ruben Lecea, Ricardo R. Vera Jr., and Robert Vera.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hillside Funerals & Cremations; 310 W. Hillside Rd.; Laredo, TX 78041; 956.724.6060