Dale Garcia

In Memory of Dale Delfino Garcia

February 1, 1960 – July 31, 2025

Age 65

Dale Delfino Garcia, of Alcalde, passed away on July 31, 2025, at the age of 65. A man of quiet strength, strong hands, and an even stronger will, Dale leaves behind a legacy built on hard work, loyalty, and showing up for his people in his own steady way.

Dale was known by many for his unmatched work ethic. He wasn’t the kind of man who needed recognition, he let his effort speak for itself. Whether it was laboring under the sun, helping someone fix what was broken, or providing in ways that didn’t always get noticed, Dale never backed down from a day’s work. People respected him because he earned that respect, every single day.

Dale loved and deeply missed his mother, Maria Febye Garcia. He was her baby, and even after her passing, that connection never faded. He didn’t talk about it often, but everyone around him could feel it, her memory stayed close to him.

Dale made his best memories simple: fishing trips down in Alcalde with the crew, packing in the car with Uncle Leonard, Gary, and the boys. He introduced the family to Bruce Lee movies, shared WWE wrestling nights, and late nights watching Family Feud on the couch. He was the kind of guy who made those small moments feel solid and unforgettable.

Dale was also a man of simple pleasures, the kind that never get old. He loved music, especially The Beatles. Their songs stayed with him through the years, just like the memories they were tied to. He had what he proudly called his “breakfast of champions” the same way every time. And if you knew Dale, you knew about the banana popsicles. That was his thing. He always had them on hand, and he was always sharing. It was just one of those small things that made him Dale. He was also a big fan of KFC, you could count on him for the mashed potatoes and Mac and cheese and a straight face while eating every last bite. You also never really caught Dale without his bandanna. It wasn’t a look, it was who he was. Whether he was working, fishing, going for wood or just relaxing, it was part of him. And in his final stretch, during his hospital stays, he developed a new favorite: Dutch Bros. That became a small bright spot during tough days, and if you saw him with a cup in hand, you knew it gave him just a little comfort in the chaos. That’s how Dale was, he found what he liked, and he stuck with it.

Dale was an independent man, and if you knew him, you knew he didn’t go anywhere without a dog by his side. He didn’t make a big deal out of it, but those dogs meant something to him. They were his companions, his shadow on the job, in the truck, or out by the river. His last dog, Bubbles, stuck with him through thick and thin. He loved her so much that if you ever asked him who the love of his life was, without hesitation, he’d say “Bubbles”, and he meant it.

Above all, Dale loved his son, Delfino Lee. That bond ran deep, and there was a quiet pride he carried for the man his son became. Dale always knew his Delfino was right there, and so was Delfino’s wife, Marissa, who stood by them with quiet strength and care. Becoming a grandfather that’s what truly lit him up. It was the highlight of his life. Each of his grandkids brought him joy, and he had a way of connecting with them that didn’t need a lot of word. He had a soft spot especially for Tiger*, who could always get a grin out of him, even on the tough days. Whether it was a joke, a look, or just being around, that connection was real.

In the final stretch of his life, Dale faced cancer head-on — not with fear, but with the same toughness he brought to everything else. He didn’t talk about how hard it was. He didn’t want sympathy. He kept moving forward, one day at a time, as long as his body would let him. He fought in silence, with strength most people will never understand. Cancer may have taken his body, but it never took his will, never took his pride, and never touched the heart of who he was. That battle showed us just how deep his strength really went, and we’ll never forget it.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Delfino and Maria Feybe Garcia; grandparents Cesario & Ernestine Villareal and Salvador and Celina Garcia; great-grandmother Sylvania Garcia; uncles and aunts Celestino, Johnny, Patricio, Elsie, Judy, and Yvonne Villareal and Max, Joe, Richard, Ramon, Candelaria, Ruth, Helen, Christina and Connie Garcia, and Albert Morland; siblings Leonard, Gary, Leon and Loretta Garcia, and Judy Mendoza; nieces and nephews Leo Nevarez, Isaac Hernandez, Issac Villareal, Jordan Garcia, Angelica Garcia, Elenor Garcia, Toure Tsosie, Nadine Lopez, Raymond Garcia, Febye Rose Sena, and Gary Orozco.

Dale is survived by his son, Delfino Lee Garcia (Marissa Lopez); his grandchildren Serenity Angel Garcia, Romeo Garcia, Delfino Angelo Garcia, and Leo Mateo Garcia; his baby bubbles, his siblings Trina Garcia, Ruby Garcia-Sanchez, Elaine Garcia, James Garcia, and Harold Garcia; sister in law Florence Garcia and TJ, who was like a brother to him. His best friends Paul, Valerie, Andy, and Ray. They, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, carry his memory with deep love.

The family would like to give a special thank you to HME Specialist and Presbyterian Home Healthcare and Hospice and all the relatives, and friends who took time to stop by, check in, and help care for Dale — especially in his final months. Your presence reminded him that he was loved and never alone. Thank you for being part of his journey.