Joe Garcia

Joe M. Garcia

January 20, 1940 – December 31, 2025

Joe M. Garcia of Velarde, New Mexico, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, due to natural causes. He was surrounded by the love of those who meant the most to him. Joe was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend whose presence enriched the lives of all who knew him.

Joe was born on January 20, 1940, at Embudo Hospital to Jose Maximiliano Garcia and Tiofila Garcia. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Lorraine Apodaca and Maxine Saavedra; and his son, Leon Garcia.

In the early 1970s, Joe worked as a custodian at Velarde Elementary School. A farmer for most of his life, he was known for his unwavering work ethic, dedication, and his iconic orange-and-black International pickup truck, which was featured several times in New Mexico Magazine. Alongside his wife, Gloria, Joe proudly operated Garcia’s Fruit Stand at the corner of NM 68 and 582 (the Lyden turnoff) for over 40 years.

Joe had a deep love for the land. He found joy in planting, growing, and harvesting sweet corn, Indian corn, chile, and a wide variety of vegetables, as well as apples, pears, apricots, and peaches from his orchard. Each growing season began in his cherished greenhouse, where he patiently nurtured his plants before transferring them to the ground when conditions were just right. In addition to farming, Joe was an accomplished landscape painter and especially enjoyed watching Bob Ross on television.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Gloria; his daughters, Teofila Esquibel (Jamie) and Victoria Garcia-Romero (Matías); his daughter-in-law, Florence Sanchez (Leon); his 6 grandchildren, Jamie and Jacob Esquibel, Franchesca Vialpando-Larrañaga, Zachary Garcia-Gurule, and Sunny and Alejandro Romero; as well as his10 great-grandchildren, sister, Jean Maez, who loved him dearly, and brother, James Garcia, who was like Joe's son.

Joe will be dearly missed by his family and friends, who will forever remember him for his deep faith, warm laughter, generous love, and the meaningful consejos he shared throughout his life.

Family and friends are invited to honor the life of Mr. Joe M. Garcia on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Rivera Family Funeral Home in Española, beginning at 10:00AM 

Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are Jaime and Jacob Esquibel, Franchesca Vialpando-Larrañaga, Zachary Garcia-Gurule, and Sunny and Alejandro Romero.