Jose Leopoldo Sonny Garcia

Jose Leopoldo (Sonny) Garcia, 85, From Lower San Pedro Rd, Passed away on December 20, 2024, with his family by his side. Sonny, as he was known to all, was born on February 20, 1939, to Isabel (Chavez) and Leopoldo Garcia in Espanola. 

Sunny was preceded in death by his parents, maternal grandparents, Luis and Ursulita Chavez, Paternal grandparents, Adolfo and Mary Ella Garcia, His niece Rene Ciddio, brother-in-law John Elliott and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Sonny graduated from El Rito normal school as Salutatorian with honors in 1957. After graduation he moved to Albuquerque where he was part owner of the Black Horse Restaurant in Old Town. In 1970 he Moved to San Francisco and shortly thereafter moved to Hawaii where he spent 20 plus years. He worked at a bank and helped his friends at a flower shop. In 1991, he moved to Las Vegas, Nevada where he worked at the Fitzgerald Casino as a pit boss. In 1993 he moved to Rio Rancho, NM and worked at Local Casinos as a pit boss. He eventually moved back to Lower San Pedro in 2009, where he lived until his passing.

 Sonny was a good brother, uncle, neighbor and friend. He was a jokester, and always had a joke that made everyone laugh. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his brother Gilbert (Joann) Garcia, his sisters Frances Elliott, Ursula (Joe) Ciddio and Sharon (John) Borrego. Many Nieces, nephews, cousins, and his beloved dog princess.

Services will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz, NM. A Rosary will take place at 10:00am and mass to follow at 11:00am on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. The burial will take place immediately following at Sacred Heart Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with his father.

The family would like to thank Christus St. Vincents hospital and Presbyterian Hospice for the care they gave to Sonny during his final days. Thank you to De Vargas Funeral Home for the Compassion and care given to our brother and to the family. A special thank you to Jacob Shaw who helped the family.

Thank you to everyone who called and provided food, God blees you all.

The family of Jose Leopoldo "Sonny" Garcia has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477-www.devargasfuneral.com