SEGUNDO "Johnny" GARCIA

Segundo Garcia, age 89, passed away in peace on Thursday, June 23, 2011, at St. Agnes Medical Center surrounded by his loving wife Benita and his children, Rose, Linda and Michael. He had been ill for two and a half months. Segundo received the final sacrament from his parish priest and said his good-byes to his family on Wednesday, June 22, 2011. Segundo was born in Berios, Spain (near Pamplona) on May 26, 1922. He was one of seven children. His family moved to Pamplona and owned and operated Bar Garcia for many years. He worked at the restaurant and in construction. He served in the army in Spain for three years. In 1951, at the age of 29, Segundo came to the United States to begin a new life with new opportunities. To pay for the move, he worked as a sheepherder near Sacramento and at a cattle ranch in Oakdale. He also worked for his uncle in San Francisco at the Hotel Espanol on Broadway Street. He went to school at night to learn English and study the U.S. Constitution. Segundo proudly became a U.S. citizen on September 5, 1956. In 1957, Segundo moved to Fresno and worked at various restaurants and eventually at the Santa Fe Basque Hotel across from the Santa Fe Railroad Depot. Segundo married the love of his life, Benita Serrano on August 25, 1958. He became the father of Michael and Linda Idiart. The family became complete with the birth of Rose in September, 1959. The entire family moved to the Santa Fe Hotel in 1960. Segundo and Benita worked tirelessly at the hotel and were very successful. Segundo was loved and respected by the Basque community, and the American patrons who called him "Johnny". They sold the business in 1975. Segundo worked part-time at the New Rendezvous for several years before completely retiring. Segundo and Benita helped form the Fresno Basque Club and enjoyed participating in many social events and picnics in the Basque community. Segundo was a good and kind man who worked hard all of his life to support his family. He was devoted to his Catholic faith and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. By example he taught his family the value of hard work, honesty, and love of family. As a husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, he was a special and loving person who will live forever in the hearts of his family and friends. Adios Segundo

Segundo is survived by Benita Serrano Garcia, his devoted wife and partner of over 52 years. He is also survived by his daughter, Rose Erdozaincy and her husband Noel, and their two sons, Gabriel and Nicolas; his daughter, Linda Pebet and her husband Joseph, and their daughter Noelle, and two sons, Justin and Joshua; his son, Michael Idiart, and his two sons, Michael Jr. and Daniel.

Segundo is survived by one sister, Paquita Garcia Ibanez, of Pamplona, Spain, and brother-in-law, John Maitia of Firebaugh; as well as many loving nephews and nieces and their children.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2140 N. Cedar Ave., in Fresno on Thursday, June 30, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fresno Catholic Charities or the Fresno Basque Club.

Condolences may be offered by visiting www.whitehrustsullivan.com