Erasto Garcia was 87 years old and resided in Goodyear, Arizona. He answered to God’s calling on February 25, 2021 in Mesa, Arizona.
Erasto was born and raised in a farm in Las Pilas, Michoacan to Donato and Paula Garcia on July 26, 1933. He married the love of his life, Amanda Leonor Garcia, on February 9, 1964.
His journey to the United States began at the age of 16 and although he confronted many obstacles along his way, he persisted and was determined to start a new life in the U.S. He envisioned providing a better life for his family and never imagined how his actions would impact the generations to come. He is now survived by his wife Leonor Garcia, his daughters Emelia Chavez, Araceli Padilla, Leonor Garcia, and Domenica Majalca, his son Reyes Manuel Garcia, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, his sisters, his brother, many nieces and nephews, in-laws, comadres, compadres, and many extended family.
Most of his life was spent in Los Angeles, California where he lived a simple and humble life. From time to time, he loved to visit his original home in Mexico to enjoy the farm life and bathing in the rivers. His daily attire consisted of a guayabera, pants/shorts, and a pair of huaraches, he never wore sneakers. He also loved to wear hats. He enjoyed sharing personal stories, listening to music, playing card games and solitaire was his daily routine. He loved a good poker game or a game of conquian with family and friends while drinking a Corona beer. He also enjoyed cooking and had many great food recipes, from chicharrones to his famous camarones con chile.
Erasto was an expert in cultivating plants and gardening. He was devoted to his garden and definitely had a green thumb. Regardless of where he planted a seed, plants would grow which would lead to many homegrown fruits, vegetables, and of course his chile serranos. He had great skills in creating his own devices to protect his plants using wooden sticks, strings or cardboards. His garden was his work of art and was always a beautiful sight to see.
He was a man with such a strong will to live, overcoming many health ailments throughout his life. He never gave up and often referenced a quote, “La Esperanza es la ultima que muere.” He had an enormous amount of faith in God, Jesus and the Virgin Mary. Although this was his last fight to live, he never lost faith and is now resting in peace with our heavenly Lord.
He was a loving husband, father, and grandpa. His courageous life; strong, humble, and most of all caring personality will be missed. His loving memories will be cherished forever.
A special thank you to the nurses in Banner Baywood Medical Center, for their care during his final days. Also, the family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude towards Avenidas Funeral Chapel and everyone that has reached out to us with their support during this difficult time. As Erasto would say, “Que Dios los bendiga”.
Visitation will be from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm on Monday, March 15, 2021 at Avenida Funeral Chapel, 522 East Western Ave., Avondale, AZ. Burial will follow at 1:45