Garry Jerry Garcia

Garry Jerry Garcia, 61, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025, at his home in Velarde New Mexico, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Garcia was born in Hemet California on October 18, 1963, to Selina Manzanares and George Garcia. He attended school in Palm Springs California until his senior year, where he moved to Espanola New Mexico and attended Espanola High School from which he graduated in 1982. In 1989, he and Valorie Lopez had a son together, Garry J. Garcia Jr. whom he loved dearly and was always incredibly proud of him. Garry then went on to start his career in Law Enforcement as a Deputy Sherrif at the Santa Fe County Sherrif's Department and later came to work for the Rio Arriba County Sherrif's Department and the New Mexico State Police. He had suffered from some health issues and was on the kidney transplant list for many years, because of this, he decided to become a 911 dispatcher to serve his community as best as he could. He received a kidney transplant in 2006, which was the same year he met his future wife Mary Tennant over the phone. She was a 911 dispatcher in Taos, and it was through their work that they met, they spoke over the phone for a year before meeting in person in 2007. During that time, they got to know each other very well and formed a sincere connection. They were married on March 8th, 2010, in Taos. They moved to Velarde in 2012, and in 2014, Garry's health made it too difficult for him to work, so he had to resign from his job as a 911 dispatcher and became disabled in 2015. Despite these challenges, Garry never lost his sense of humor, and his willingness to live his best life. 

Garry is predeceased by his parents George Garcia and Selina Manzanares and sisters Catalina Garcia, Lilyosa Moore, and Anita Smith. He is survived by his wife Mary Tennant, son Garry Garcia Jr, In-Laws Pamela and Thomas Harris, siblings George Garcia Jr (Cynthia), Beverly Boutwell (Al Walker), Margarita Torres, Gil Garcia (Melanie) and India Garcia (Richard Martinez) He is survived also by 21 nieces and nephews, 42 great nieces and nephews, and 19 great-great nieces and nephews and many relatives and friends. He will be sincerely missed by all who knew and loved him. 

A Private Family Viewing will be held for the immediate family and formal services are pending at this time. 

The family of Mr. Garcia has entrusted Rivera Family Funerals and Cremations of Espanola to care for him and his final wishes. We offer our most sincere condolences to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him and we thank his family for their trust.