Search by Name
Menu
Search by Name
MARTIN ALBERTO GARZA "SMASHBRO"
May 5, 1995 - Jan. 6, 2013
Martin Alberto Garza, 17, of Brawley ended his journey on Earth, earned his angel wings, and was taken to the gates of Heaven on Sunday, January 6, 2013.
Martin, the son of Martin and Yulil Garza and younger brother of Yulinda Garza, was born May 5, 1995 in El Centro. He attended schools in Brawley and was most recently a senior at Brawley Union High School. When he was a young child, he had a strong sense of work ethic as he began recycling cans from his parents' house and grandmother's house to earn a little bit of money. As Martin grew a bit older, he turned to scavenger hunts through family members' closets to include the items in his yard sales. Those small jobs led to him doing yard work, staining floors with his uncle, putting up Christmas lights, and babysitting in order to make some spending money for extracurricular activities or items he wanted for himself. Martin was most proud of his job as a field worker this past year. One day as the family traveled to San Diego, Martin saw a man working in the field and waved "hi" to him. When asked by his sister who that man was Martin replied, "A coworker". His sister Yulinda then asked, "So what's his name?" and Martin said, "I don't know, but all field workers are my coworkers".
Martin, being very secure of himself, had no problem being affectionate by telling people he loved them or by giving big hugs. In doing so, he built a family bond that cannot be broken. He was a loving and respectful son, and an amazing brother. He and his sister, Yulinda were each other's world. Since the age of seven, the brother/sister duo had plans on being roommates and attending UCLA together. The close bond between the best friends had Yulinda looking forward to a new pair of Nikes from her brother each year for her birthday. And Martin wasn't just Yulil and Martin's son. He had many 'moms' all over Brawley, and they each loved him like their own as he did them, especially his football 'moms'.
Martin's passion for sports began the moment he could speak. He played Little League baseball, recreational basketball and soccer and also participated in Brawley Gladiators for a short time. He loved baseball so much, he joined several traveling teams, one being in San Luis, where they made it to the World Series held in Tucson, Arizona. Although baseball was his first love, football was his last love; but he cheated on both a little as he anticipated playing basketball this year. Martin didn't start playing football until his freshman year of high school, but during the season he was always the first one through the posters as he was ready for those 48 minutes of play.
Aside from his love for sports, Martin loved to dance. His love for dancing was evident as he was always asked to attend quinceaneras because he was the best dancer on the floor. With his dance moves, came his sense of fashion that was unlike any other. Martin loved coordinating his clothes, watches, and shoes as he had a Jordan shoe collection and a Nikon watch collection going.
When Martin wasn't on the field of play, on a dance floor or adding to his collections, he could be found with his head in the books as he studied hard, focusing on his academics. Though never judgmental, he disliked when his peers or younger children did not study or strive to educate themselves. Martin loved going to class. He enjoyed going to Science class with his sister, loved his American History class, but absolutely loved going to Pre-Calculus with Mr. Magana. It was Mr. Magana who inspired him to take Calculus during his senior year. Martin was ready to start his next journey to college as he applied to three CSU schools: SDSU, Fresno State, and Humboldt State. He definitely had a plan to leave to Mayville State, where some of his friends are already attending and playing football.
As strong as his faith was in family, Martin had a greater faith in God. He was attending Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) and attending Mass regularly at St. Margaret Mary Church. He was often rewarded with menudo after church with the Tomboc Family, as it grew to be a Sunday ritual. Martin had no problem attending Mass on his own either, and even did so the day after Prom when most teenagers his age would be sleeping in.
However, like any teenager, Martin had a weakness for sweets (cookies and brownies) and was given the nickname "Cookie Monster" back in pre-school. His pre-school teacher used alphabet cookies to get the class to line up to begin the learning day. Martin caught on pretty quick and was constantly on the lookout for that particular time, and as soon as he saw his teacher walking up with the cookies, he made sure he was at the front of the line. But seeing as he loved cookies, he would make his way to the end of the line with his first cookie so he could receive another. And since that day, Martin was hooked on cookies and brownies.
Although his time with us was short, Martin was a young man who was full of life. He was extremely passionate about his school and his town of Brawley. As an outgoing person with a huge heart, Martin always befriended those who sat alone, didn't "fit" in, or were simply having a bad day. He served as an advocate for children who were bullied or ignored due to differences. Martin always went the extra mile to ensure everyone was taken care of, all while wearing a smile of his own. And city limits didn't stop him either. He knew no boundaries, as his outgoing personality befriended many in the Imperial Valley and beyond, throughout the years. Martin especially loved his best friends and they always had one another's backs. It was a blessing for him to have been accompanied by them in his last moments.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Cornelio Garza; and maternal grandmother, Maria Alonso.
Martin is survived by his loving family: parents, Martin and Yulil Garza of Brawley; sister, Yulinda Garza of Brawley; maternal grandfather, Horacio Alonso; paternal great- grandmother, Orvilia Garza and grandmother Socorro Garza; aunts and uncles, Maria Orvilia and Rex Lainez, Tita and Ricardo Borboa, Olivia and Salvador Hernandez, Alonso H. and Leticia Alonso, Yethel Alonso, Francisco and Meghan Alonso, Tina and Virgil Parker, Destiny and Kenny Brown, Ashley and Ricardo Contreras, Marley Alonso, Marlena and Ramses Pineda; and numerous cousins and friends.
The family welcomes everyone to attend services Friday, January 18, 2013 at Warne Field in Brawley. Viewing for Martin will be held at 6 p.m., with gates opening at 5 p.m. Mass will commence at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 19, 2013 at St. Margaret Mary Church in Brawley. Martin will have his final resting place at Riverview Cemetery immediately following the service. A reception will be held at the Garza Home in Brawley on Friday night and Saturday afternoon to celebrate the beautiful life and memories Martin has left with us.
The family suggests any and all flowers be sent to Warne Field on Friday. Donations can continue to be made to the M.A.G. Coalition, c/o Yulil Alonso-Garza at Sun Community Federal Credit Union or to the Martin Garza Memorial Fund at Union Bank. For additional information, the family can be contacted via email at [email protected].
Martin, a loving son and brother, dedicated teammate, and loyal friend will always hold a place in our hearts. We will miss him greatly but will never forget his infectious smile, tight hugs or the way he lit up a room when he entered. We love you!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Lamento mucho de su perdida. Hoy mas que nunca es importante de mantener la unidad para fortalecerse unos al otros para seguir adelante en estos tiempos muy dificiles. Les espero lo mejor para la familia. El consuelo y la esperanza que da la biblia nos puede ayudar para seguir adelante. "Tus muertos viviran. Cadaver mio... Se levantaran." (Isaias 26:19).
Marcos Villegas
February 15, 2013
R.I.P. WE MISS YOU SO SO MUCH <3
Y. T.
February 11, 2013
May this young man's family and friends find a strong fortress in our Heavenly Father who is always there to love and to comfort us in our times of pain and sorrow. God Bless the Garza Family. May you rest in peace, Martin.
February 9, 2013
I will always miss you sweetie you will for ever be in my heart.I wont say good by but i will see you later.love you with all my heart. Tia Diana
Diana Garcia,Garza
February 9, 2013
Forever in our hearts. 'I love you man'----Coach
Richard & Margaret Singh
February 6, 2013
RIP BRO
February 4, 2013
MAY GOD BE WITH THE FAMILY AND HE IS IN HEAVEN WITH OUR LORD LOOKING DOWN ON EVERYONE AND REALLY BE A GUARDIAN ANGEL FOR EVERYONE HIS FAMILY, FRIENDS AND THE WHOLE TOWN OF BRAWLEY .
tanya sanchez
January 25, 2013
Mis mas sentido pesame para la familia Garza y que Dios les mande Consuelo.
January 22, 2013
Martin, all we needa do is say his name & remember him as he was..One of thee sweetest guyss. An innocent soul, full of happiness and eagerness. Eventhough I placed my bracelet in his caskett, I still can't believe he's gone. He'll always be in mine and Emir's hearts. We love yu Martin, y que te descanses en paz con todo los angelitos.
Angelica Cruz
January 20, 2013
My God b with u and ur family!!
Julio, Josefina, Marialuisa (Wicha) and Gabriel Lainez
January 20, 2013
Martin was a sweet and sincere individual, and will be greatly missed. He danced the "dougie" in class for us one day and he was a good dancer, with a great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed. Be sure not to forsake GOD during this difficult time, because He has not forsaken you. Love Anita Jones
Anita Jones
January 19, 2013
i miss you martin and i love all our memories and smiles we had together. i know you are watching over me with love. i love you and miss you but i know you are playing football baseball and basketball on gods team. i hope to see you one day when i go to heaven.
machalla piseno
January 19, 2013
My thoughts and prayers r to your family may God give u lots of strength .
delia pinedo
January 19, 2013
May God bless the Garza family in this time of sorrow. R.I.P Martin.
January 19, 2013
May God give the Garza family strength to get through today and everyday after that. I'm truly saddened by the loss of such a great young man. May Martin Rest in Peace!
Monica Adame
January 19, 2013
Martin, Yulil & Yulinda:
There is not a day that goes by that we do not think of the loss of your handsome, amazing larger than life Martin! We pray for your families continued strength and grace! We are amazed by the love that your family shares! Yulil we love you & thank you for the friendship you have given us!! May God continue to always be with you all!! With love & Respect
Arturo & Melo Garcia
January 19, 2013
May GOD Bless you and guide you knowing that Martin is resting in Heaven and that he is an angel watching over all of us.
Ruvalcaba Family
January 19, 2013
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family..May God Bless You.
Karina Gomez
January 18, 2013
God has a new angel in heaven! May he be with you during these hard times.
alma garcia
January 18, 2013
RIP MARTIN "SMASHBRO" GARZA
JOSE (CHINO) GUTIERRRZ
January 18, 2013
Yulil,
I was saddened to hear of your son Martin's death. My condolences to your family, my prayers and thoughts are with you. May your fondest memories warm your hearts and subtain your family. There are no words for someone who loses a child. There is no words that expresses the pain and agony of such a loss.... May Martin rest in peace.
Sophie Garcia
January 18, 2013
R.I.P ?
Sanchez
January 18, 2013
Rest in peace Martin, may god bless your loving family....
Pauline Salazar
January 18, 2013
Prayers for your family for peace and comfort. I admire all your strength.....
Rigo/Ambrosia Garcia
January 18, 2013
Prayer for the Garza family' I didn't know Martin but I was there @ very game! May our Lord continue to give you strength n peace!
George n Melinda Nunez
January 18, 2013
May God Bless the Garza family in this time of sorrow.My prayers are with the family.
January 18, 2013
Yulil, God was ready for his child to come home. I'm very sorry for your loss. I pray for you and your entire family. I never eat Martin but, by all the love pouring out from every corner of the earth, he was an awesome human being. I feel as if I missed a chance to know him. He's looking down from HEAVAN and will ALWAYS be with you.
Exi Lopes (Williams)
January 18, 2013
To Martin you will always be in my heart. To wonderful father Martin Sr, the beautiful mother Yulil, and darling sister Yulinda I pray for you all in this time of sorrow. Martin was and still is a sparkle in our eyes.
Monica Biagi-Rodriguez
January 18, 2013
After reading this beautiful obituary, I can not wait until we meet personally in heaven. Your parents raised a great child of God and is now watching over them and their loved ones. Rest in peace Martin Garza
Marcella Zamora
January 18, 2013
Rest in Eternal Peace
Diana Aguirre
January 18, 2013
I am very sad to know about the loss of this young man who touched so many lives in a special way..may God comfort his family at this time,rest in peace Martin..
January 18, 2013
REST IN PARADISE... MAY THE LORD CONTINUE TO WATCH OVER AND PROTECT THE GARZA FAMILY. IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ALWAYS. GOD BLESS YOU
REBECCA TORRES
January 18, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this wonderful young man that was taken to soon.. He will live on forever in our hearts...my daughter was a classmate and has told us how sweet and caring he was to everyone he met even if he didn't know them.. had a smile that would light up the room. He will be missed by all that knew him and Brawley will never forget #73... Rest in paradise Martin
Sheila Garner
January 18, 2013
I am so deeply saddened for yor loss. Martin seemed like a wonderful son, always cheerful and happy. May God give you and your family the strength during this time. Much love and prayers to the Garza Family.
Monica Cortez
January 18, 2013
My deepest condolences can't image what you and family are going thru primo I'm with you May God give you strength God Bless You Love you Primos
Rudy Garza
January 18, 2013
May God be with you and with Thy family may God give you strength you will always be remembered Love You and God Bless you and all the family.
susana Garza
January 18, 2013
May your family find strength and Peace on these hard days to come. May God be with you now and always. R.I.P SmashBro <3
michelle burrola
January 18, 2013
Dios les de muchas fuerzas a la Familia, para seguir adelante y este anguel descanse en paz.
Noemi Vazquez
January 18, 2013
May God give you and your family strength during this time of grief. Thank you for allowing us to be part of his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Ordonez Family
Dionicio Ordonez
January 18, 2013
Yulil and family my deepest condolescents to you and your family may god give you the serenity to move on.....he was a wonderful kid and with his smile he will give you the sunlight that you need to move forward.....
a caro
January 17, 2013
And this science teacher loved having him and his siter in her class.
Cynthia Tamayo
January 17, 2013
May God give all your family peace for what's ahead. For now you have an angel to watch over all of you. Lots of memories he left you to make you smile and remember the good times. I know words will not heal your pain, may God be by you side and hug you and family. My prayers are with you. I'm with you in heart.RIP Martin I am from brawley, wanting to go back, I miss my town. Hugs
connie archuleta
January 17, 2013
Claudia Cobian
January 17, 2013
Garza Family, please accept my extreme love and deep tears and condolences for Martin. He was such a smart, compassionate, courageous, funny, positive, kind-hearted, self-sacrificing and just plain outstanding young man. His humble and happy spirit will never ever be forgotten in my heart. I will miss him very, very much. I know Martin will truly be safe in God's memory until He brings him back to life to enjoy perfect health and peace forever in His coming paradise on earth very soon!
Anthony Mitchell
January 17, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss.
Renae Wren
January 17, 2013
Alonso-Garza Family, Our thoughts and Prayers go out to you and your loved ones, May God give you strength in this time of sorrow! REST IN PARADISE MARTIN!
TAPIA FAMILY
January 17, 2013
Our deepest condolences, our prayers are with you.
Diana and Jessica King
January 17, 2013
God takes the best early! May our loving Savior embrace you and hold you close as He holds and consoles those you have left behind. R.I.P. Martin. Blessings to Yulil, Martin, and Yulinda and the other relatives and friends missing you today.
Jane Sharp
January 17, 2013
My prayers go to the Garza Fam. In this time sorrow. God Bless
Mary Valenzuela
January 17, 2013
Martin Smashbro Garza I'm here for your family. For The Lord needed you quickly. You will forever be missed and my son Daniel wanted to thank you for being a good friend. I never got to meet you but when I'm up in heaven ill stop in a we will meet. Rip Martin and shall you protect your family from the heaven gates
Heather Irvin
January 17, 2013
Rest in Paradise Martin, you were a great friensd, always with positive things to say, that's how Ima remember you forever. I can see you in heaven jumping around with the angels feeling safe and watching over us. Thanks for everything you did for each and every person , you changed lives with your positive comments . RIP you'll be missed...
But live in our hearts !
adriana mendez
January 17, 2013
Rest in peace Martin to the family may god give you the strength at this difficult time of sorrow
Family Mccoy
January 17, 2013
Hi Martin,Your still on my thoughts and Prayers.God has you now and for eternity AMEN.. God Bless you and your Family.
Jorge Leal
January 17, 2013
R.I.P. Martin Alberto "Smashbro". Look over your family & friends.
Debbie Gonzales
January 17, 2013
Yulil & Garza Family,May the love of our jesus christ embrace you all w/peace at this very difficult time,my whole heart soul,& prayers go out to you all, R.I.P. Martin! God Bless!
Yvonne & Quiralte Family
January 16, 2013
I do not know any of you personally, but I am so very sorry for your loss. May God give you strength to get through each day. God Bless.
January 16, 2013
I will miss you so much Martin, but have fun in heaven :)Please watch over all of us :)
Irasema Ferrel
January 16, 2013
Nuestras mas sinceras condolencias para la familia Garza. RIP Martin SmashBro Garza
~Familia Villarreal Muñoz
January 16, 2013
We are deeply sadden for your loss Yulid, Martin n Yulinda. Our prayers are with u all. There may be no words to console your pain but there is a God who can* Keep your faith knowing that God has gained an ANGEL*
Joe, Estela n boyz Armendariz
January 16, 2013
Gordo, we love you and will forever remember your bear hugs full of amor. Yulil, Martin, and Yulinda, our hearts are with you.
Izzy, Christy, Yaxkin, & Tonalli Calderon Alonso
January 16, 2013
Gordo, se que Diosito te llevo a un mejor lugar por que eres una personita muy especial y por eso te necesitaba alla con el! TQM y te vamos a extraniar siempre.
January 16, 2013
Our condolences Martin,Yulil and family. There is peace knowing that our lord is watching over you with boundless love. God Bless you.
Richard and Elva Reyes
January 16, 2013
You will always be in our hearts and prayers" Que Dios te tenga en su santa gloria
Eva Murguia
January 16, 2013
Our prayers to his parents and family may God give the family the strength and comfort they need . R.I.P. Martin !!!
Familia Martinez
January 16, 2013
Our deepest condolences to the entire Garza family. He will always be in our heart and prayers. May God continue to give you strength to move forward, and remember that ANGEL, will be taken care of all of you!!!!R.I.P. MARTIN. Our condolences Gabe & Vicky Hernandez, & Fam.
January 16, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Garza Family. What an impact that Martin left on our community in his short time here. Looks like God was ready for an angel to utilize that same leadership and inspiration to continue to impact us in even more intentional manner. May he rest in eternal peace.
Sabrina Sanders
January 16, 2013
I love you Martincito.
Rosy Figueroa
January 16, 2013
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
With heartfelt condolences,
Vivian Perez
January 16, 2013
Zamudio Family
January 16, 2013
Our deepest condolences to the Garza & Alonso families. Our thoughts and prayers r with u during this difficult time. R.I.P. Martin! Forever a Wildcat!
<3 The Valdez Family
January 16, 2013
GARZA FAM,we are very sorry for the loss of your son. God give you the strenghth at this hard time his with God because he need it a new Angel we never going to forget all the good moments we espend with him amazing kid but remember some day will be together again having fun.LOL: all you guys.
Victor,Graciela Marin
January 16, 2013
Yulil and family we are deeply sorry for your loss! We are greatful that we had a chance to meet Martin and be able to say that he truly was an amazing kid! He had such a kind soul! May he rest in peace and be rocking his swag in heaven!
Alexandra & Adrian Kyle
January 16, 2013
Our Wildcat Angel! Forever in our hearts!
Patricia Diaz
January 16, 2013
Sorry for your loss Yulil, Martin & Yulinda...God has gained an awsome angel! ?
Olga Mejia-Chavez
January 16, 2013
Prayers to the family, may Martin RIP.
~Alper & Brandi~
Brandi Wick-Walls
January 16, 2013
To Martin, Yulil & Yulinda;
Our sincere condolences to you & your wonderful Family in your time of sorrow.
Please know that we, Coach Richard & I , share your grief as we came to know & love your Son, Martin 'SmashBro' Garza as many other people did! Your faith in our Lord is what will help you continue forward. 'Gordo' may be gone...but he will never be forgotten!
Sincerely;
Coach Richard & Margaret Singh
January 16, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know your son personally, but being from Brawley myself and a mother too, my heart goes out to you. There are no words I can say that will bring your son back, but just know that you now have an Angel up in Heaven looking after you and your entire family. RIP Martin
Sonia
January 16, 2013
"RIP" MARTIN ALBERTO "SMASHBRO" GARZA
May Our Lord Jesus Christ bring peace in the hearts of all of your family, knowing that YOU are an ANGEL in Heaven.....
Your sweet smile and all the wonderful memories of You will bring Your father, mother and sister a warmeth rejoice.
Martin, Yulil and Yulinda, my prayers are with all of you in this time of sorrow.
Maria S. Pinedo Condit
January 16, 2013
Yulil, Martin and Yulinda
My heart breaks for you all, nothing can be said to make the pain go away, but know you were blessed with an angel who was called back to the lord.
Lisa Gudino
January 16, 2013
Yulil, Martin, Yulinda and the entire Garza/Alonso "Family, Loss....so sudden, Heart....so broken,...in the wake of such a loss, we are haunted by things we dont, and may never understand. Yet the solace we seek may not come from answers. So we look for comfort in the belief of love's everlasting connection. May that love lift you and hold you close, and give you peace."
Laura Morga
January 16, 2013
Rest in Peace, Martin.
You were an Angel here on earth. May God give your family the strength to get thru this difficult time.
January 16, 2013
Very sorry for your loss Yulil, Martin, and all of Martins family and friends but very proud of the way you're celebrating his life.
Rene Rubio
January 16, 2013
Keep strong Ms. Yulil. Sorry for ur loss.
valerie Romero Ladner
January 16, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe. You have to believe that Martin was here for a reason and your connection could never be broken. God Bless you Martin, Yulil and Yulinda
Patrick, Belinda & Lucas
January 16, 2013
So sorry for your loss! I didn't personally know Martin but from all the stories I've heard n read I know he was an amazing person! He will truly be missed by everyone! My condolences to u n ur fam! May God give u the strenghth to get through these difficult times!
Monica Revuelta
January 16, 2013
Garza family, my deepest condolences on the loss of your son. Your son and brother will now rest amongst angels in paradise.
Alma De La Vara
January 16, 2013
Condolences to you, our beloved friends. May the love you have for your son provide you with strength to get through this difficult time. May our beloved Martin rest in peace. Love always- The Tomboc Family
Tomboc Family
January 16, 2013
Our most heartfelt condolences.
Platero Family
January 16, 2013
Our condolences to the Garza Family.
Christina Luna-Marquez and Family
January 16, 2013
My Heartfelt Condolences to your family
Jennifer Merten
January 16, 2013
My condolences to the Garza family in their time of loss. May you find strength in God's love. Remember your son is now rejoicing with our Lord in his mansion. He is now Brawley's Guardian angel and will wil forever take care of us.
Nellie Rodriguez
January 16, 2013
Yulil, Martin, and Yulinda may the Lord keep you all in his loving hands and guide you through this difficult time. Your faith and your strength are an inspiration to many. My prayers to you, your family, and to your Wonderful Son Martin Smashbro Garza.
Carmen Velarde
January 16, 2013
I am so very sorry for your loss. God be with you in this extremely difficult time. Martin may you rest now in peace.
Raul & Linda Martinez
January 16, 2013
May god continue to guide you and comfort you..
Victor& Liz Solorio
January 16, 2013
Martin u will be truly missed for all the great thing u have done . An just kno u may be gone but honestly your not forgotten . Keep looking down at all of us as we strive to do things right
Rosalinda rakhim daisy Gray
January 16, 2013
Garza family,
Our most sincere condolences to you all, may God give you the strength to get you all through this difficult time. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Mari Saucedo, Ashley & Chris Gonder
Mari Saucedo
January 16, 2013
May God's angels guide you under their wings during this time... And may your son & brother's smile shine forever
January 16, 2013
Our deepest condolences to our beloved Garza Family. May God help you through this most difficult time. Martin - You will always be in our hearts:)
Tomboc Family
January 16, 2013
My condolences to you and your family in this difficult time. May God bless you always and may your beautiful son rest in paradise.
Family Tapia
January 16, 2013
Miguel And Priscilla Prado
January 16, 2013
Showing 1 - 100 of 105 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more