Erasmo Enrique Garza

November 17, 1932 – June 27, 2026

Erasmo Enrique Garza, 93, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026, in the presence of loved ones. Born on November 17, 1932, in Weslaco, Texas, Erasmo lived a life defined by faithful service — to his country, his community, his church, and above all, his family.

Erasmo proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force, enlisting on January 20, 1955, and receiving an honorable discharge on January 29, 1963. Following his military service, he answered another call to serve when he joined the Albuquerque Fire Department on March 9, 1964, as a member of the 6th AFD Cadet Class. He dedicated nearly a quarter century to protecting the citizens of Albuquerque, earning the distinguished rank of Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal before retiring with great honor on June 24, 1988. His courage, discipline, and commitment to others were hallmarks of everything he did.

A devoted man of faith, Erasmo was a cherished parishioner of Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, where he generously gave of his time and heart through his service in the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Society, and the Knights of Columbus, in which he proudly served as a 3rd Degree Knight. His faith was not merely practiced on Sundays — it was woven into the fabric of his daily life and was a guiding light for all who knew him.

Beyond his service and faith, Erasmo was a man who knew how to truly live. He found peace and joy spending quiet hours fishing. He had a deep love for listening to Spanish music or singing along with a joyful heart. And when the music moved him to the dance floor, it was clear he was in his element; Erasmo was, by all accounts, an amazing dancer and when dancing with his beloved wife, they were nothing less than poetry in motion. He loved chile (red or green), the hotter the better. He also had a great passion for old western movies, and it was with deep affection that his family crowned him with a title he wore proudly: "The King of the Cowboys."

Erasmo was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Martha V. Garza; his parents, Josefina Garza and Demetrio Enrique Garza; his brothers, Fernando Garza (Marcela) and Rodolfo Garza (Edna); and his sons, Henry Garza and Larry Garza. Their memory walks alongside his.

He is lovingly survived by his sisters, Sylvia Banks (Bruce) and Lydia Garza; his sons, Daniel Garza (Samantha) and James Garza; his daughter, Christine Garza Bronson; his cherished grandchildren, Christopher Garza, Carey (Garza) Waterman (Matt), Mark Garza, Stephanie Garza, Joshua (JAG) Garza, Graciela Bronson, David Garza, Joshua Garza; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Michael, Arianna, Kaiden, Wesley, Byron, Zavier, Sloan and Chace, and his much loved nieces and nephews. He leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, and selfless service that will endure in each of them.

Erasmo Enrique Garza was a man who showed up — for his country, for his neighbors, for his church, and for his family. May he rest in the peace he so richly earned.

Funeral Services Monday, July 6, 2026 Rosary: 9:30 AM Funeral Mass: 10:00 AM Queen of Heaven Catholic Church 5311 Phoenix Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

Interment: Mt. Calvary Cemetery 1900 Edith Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102

A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Vincent de Paul, Our Lady of Guadalupe or Knights of Columbus.

"Blessed are those who serve others, for they shall be remembered in love."