Jose Abel Garcia

Jose Abel Garcia is preceded in death by his daughter Olympia Garcia (Lucio Duran) and his infant daughter Francis Garcia, and his parents, Luciano and Lugarda Garcia.

Jose has been known to generations by many names such as “Bo,” “Grandpa,” and “Tata”; however, most knew him as “Abe,” a cherished centenarian, patriarch, and cornerstone of the Arroyo Seco community. He passed into eternal rest after a life that spanned more than a century, just one month shy of his 103rd birthday.

Born in 1923 in Arroyo Seco, New Mexico, Abe was the eldest of 12 children. Even before his birth, his life was set on a unique path, as his parents promised their son to his grandmother, Teresita Martinez. He was raised by his grandmother alongside his aunt and uncle, Aurelia and Rosendo Fernandez, who instilled in him the values of hard work, humility, and devotion to family.

Abe attended primary school in Costilla and secondary school in Taos, where he played basketball on the A squad. Upon graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army; however, he had previously been accepted to attend New Mexico Highlands University, where he obtained a certification in radio communications. When he completed his certification, he then fulfilled his obligation to serve honorably in World War II from 1942 to 1945. He was proud of his service to his country, intercepting Japanese radio codes in the Philippines. During his time in the Army, he was stationed in what is now known as Fort Leonard Wood, Hawaii, Fort Bliss, Korea, and finally, as the war ended, he was in the battle in Okinawa, Japan, and later occupied Korea until he was honorably discharged.

After returning home from the war, Abe settled back into life in Arroyo Seco. He took on a variety of jobs, working at the New Mexico State Capitol, serving as a fire watcher with the United States Forest Service, and laboring in the sawmills of Pot Creek. During this time, he embraced the opportunities of the postwar efforts, enrolling in the “Servicemen’s Readjustment,” now known as the GI Bill of Rights. Through the vocational program, he learned carpentry and auto mechanics, earning $175 a month while laying the foundation for a lifetime of skill.

In 1949, Abe married Grace Córdova of San Cristóbal. Together, they raised three daughters, Teresa, Olympia, and Lina Garcia, building a family rooted in love, hard work, and tradition. Together, they created the foundation of what would grow into the beloved restaurant it is today.

In 1962, Abe began serving as the United States postmaster, a role he would hold with dedication for 26 years, while also building the post office that is now known as Taos Wools. By night, he opened the doors of the Arroyo Seco Tavern, working alongside his aunt, Aurelia Fernandez, after the loss of his uncle. In time, Abe took on the business himself and, together with his wife and daughters, grew it into the well-known Abe’s Cantina y Cocina, a place that became the heart of the community, where stories were shared, friendships were formed, and generations gathered.

Throughout his life, he embraced a wide range of hobbies, staying active and social through hunting, fishing, golfing, carpentry, bowling, and gardening. Remarkably, he even took up skiing in his late 50s. Abe had a deep love for travel and new experiences, exploring destinations across the country, including visits to national parks and monuments. He enjoyed deep-sea fishing in Mexico and once ventured to Alaska for the same pursuit, where he broke his leg, a mishap he recalled with humor, saying, “No fish on that trip, but got through it alright.”

He was also a devoted football fan, attending NFL games to cheer on the Pittsburgh Steelers, and cherished the opportunity to attend what was once the World’s Fair. Some of his most treasured moments were spent with his grandchildren, taking them to amusement parks and sharing in their joy throughout the years, often taking them on trips. These years are known as “Happy Days” with a shot of Frangelico.

Abe never retired from bartending. He remained a daily presence at the cantina until days upon his death. He socialized each day with customers and showed interest in his friends’ and family’s lives until his death, often responding to each story with a “YEP.”

Abe’s life was marked by service beyond the bar. He supported his community in many ways and the members of the Arroyo Seco community in times of need. Abe has been described as a pillar in his community. He served as grand marshal and supported the creation of the once-iconic Arroyo Seco Parade and Traditional Taos Fiesta Parade. He supported the early establishment of the Arroyo Seco Domestic Water Association. He contributed over the years to the Santisima Trinidad Cemetery, honoring veterans within the community. He was the last living original chartered member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. He became one of the few honorary lifetime members of the Valle Escondido Golf Course. Abe participated in various community projects in Arroyo Seco throughout his lifetime, including one of the first ski clubs to support youth in the area to have the opportunity to ski.

Even in his later years, Abe lived with routine and purpose, tending to the business in any way he could, tending to the grounds, and later creating his own business of selling wood outside his workshop, socializing with visitors and tourists passing through. He would make his own chokecherry wine and share it with whomever came into the bar or visited his home. He enjoyed making furniture in his later years and passing on the skill to friends and anyone who showed interest in learning while enjoying a Bud Light. He stayed up late into the evenings, listening and whistling to traditional northern New Mexico music, often watching classic Westerns like Gunsmoke and Bonanza, all the while planning his next project.

Each year, Abe’s life was celebrated with gatherings of family, friends, and community at the cantina. These milestones each year reminded us that he is a man of integrity, a mentor, and a pillar of Arroyo Seco. His legacy lives on in his family, in the stories shared across generations, and in the enduring spirit of the community he helped shape.

He is survived by his wife, Grace Garcia; his daughters, Teresa and Lina Garcia (Gerald); his grandchildren and extended family; and, last but not least, the community of Arroyo Seco and all his customers, friends, and patrons.

With love and remembrance, a Rosary will be held on April 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Arroyo Seco. A Funeral Mass celebrating his life and faith will be held the following day at 10:00 AM. Burial will take place immediately afterward at Arroyo Seco Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest surrounded by the prayers and presence of those who loved him.

The family of Jose Abel Garcia of has granted Rivera Family Funeral Home the honor of serving them.