Julio Alejandro De la Garza

1947 - 2023

Edinburg - Julio Alejandro De la Garza, 76 of Edinburg, TX passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 23, 2023, after sharing a wonderful Thanksgiving Day surrounded by his beloved family.

He was born on September 23,1947, in Edinburg, Texas to Julio & Blanche De la Garza as one of five children, having four sisters. They were all raised with a strong faith in God. He grew up in Edinburg, surrounded by his large and loving family; parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts & uncles, and cousins; and immersed in the family business, De la Garza Meat Market. Julio began working with his father at the Meat Market as a teenager. He graduated from Edinburg High School and enlisted in the National Guard soon after graduation.

Julio was married to Leticia Lopez, and they had three children together whom they adored. He had an incredibly special relationship with his children and grandchildren; always available to offer guidance, support, and most especially unconditional love. He was their rock and would do anything for them. His unwavering dedication to his family was matched only by his lifelong commitment to his business.

Julio was proud to continue his family legacy of De la Garza Meat Market, established in 1937 as one of the first grocery stores in Edinburg. Julio strived for excellence during his 60 plus year career as a butcher and business owner; making sure to instill his knowledge and art of custom butchery in his son, Julio III. To his credit, the Meat Market is known far and wide as the BEST, especially for his legendary DLG spice/marinade, Sirloin Fajitas, English ribs & ground beef.

Exemplifying commitment, Julio kept the meat market open during the height of the Covid pandemic because of his commitment to supplying food to his community and work to his employees. Throughout this tough time, he worked tirelessly side by side with his employees, children, and even grandchildren; teaching them the importance of having a strong work ethic all while enjoying life and being kind. It was of the utmost importance to him that the DLG reputation of quality be maintained and his customers take home a prime product, prepared with care. Julio spent his last days on earth working alongside his faithful meat market team preparing Thanksgiving orders for his customers. The market's environment of laughter and comradery reflected the relationship of mutual respect and happiness that he created.

Julio was also a jack of all trades and enjoyed fixing and maintaining all kinds of machinery, cars, and motorcycles. He further loved enriching his mind with historical documentaries, deep conversations and delving into research on a variety of topics. He loved music and lived his life listening to many types and artists. Julio was a spiritual man who had a deep relationship to his faith and God. Known for his open heart, calm demeanor and welcoming smile, Julio's warm conversations will be missed by friends and family far and wide. Whether on his Harley Davidson or just catching up with a friend, his witty attitude was always along for the ride.

He had a heart of gold and a way about him that touched all who crossed his path. His welcoming smile, clever humor, and engaging conversations will be missed. His open heart and strong spirituality made him a truly special individual. May his legacy live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Thank you to all his customers, friends, and family for the stories, prayers, and condolences.

Rest in peace, Julio Alejandro De la Garza.

Julio is preceded in death by, his parents, Julio De la Garza and Blanche Austin Gregg, and sister, Elvia Davis.

Julio is survived by three children, Monica (David) Martinez of McAllen, TX, Melissa (Kelly) Gil of Edinburg, TX, and Julio (Ashley) De la Garza of Edinburg, TX.; six grandchildren, Gabriela, David Jacob, Julia, Nicolas, Jillian, and Julio Austin; three sisters, Rosalie (Henry) Braddock of Sawyer, MI, Emily Reynolds of Fort Worth, TX, and Sophia Millet (Fred Chambers) of Joshua, TX; the mother of his children, Leticia Lopez De la Garza of Mission, TX; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., with a Celebration of Life at 6 p.m. Thursday, November 30, 2023, at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 E. Canton in Edinburg. Funeral service will take place at 9 a.m. Friday, December 1, 2023, at El Buen Pastor United Methodist Church in Edinburg. Interment will follow at Palm Valley Memorial Gardens in Pharr.

Special thanks to family members, Rene Vela for all the years of medical care, Efrain Flores Jr. for coordinating music for funeral services, and Mariella Gorena for helping coordinate funeral services.

Serving as pallbearers will be Bobby Gorena, Juan Garcia, Jimmy Bazan, David Martinez, Kelly Gil, Davey Martinez, and Nicolas Martinez.

Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.