León Garcia

León J. Garcia, 58, a lifelong resident of Velarde, NM, passed away February 21, 2025.

León dedicated much of his life to Human Services, starting with his work at his grandparents' assisted living boarding home, where he learned the value of compassion and care. Over the years, he expanded his career, working with electrical and gas companies, as well as serving as a counselor for at-risk youth and in recovery centers, where he made a lasting impact on many lives. His dedication to helping others was reflected in everything he did.

Outside of his professional life, León had a deep love for photography, capturing the beauty of the world around him, and farming on his family’s ranch, where he found peace and purpose intending to the land. He was a man of great wisdom and generosity, always willing to share his knowledge with others. Above all, León cherished spending time with his loved ones, especially his grandchildren. He took great joy in teaching them the lessons he had learned throughout his life—whether about the land, life skills, or simply the importance of family. His legacy is one of love, guidance, and an unwavering commitment to those around him.

León was preceded in death by his children, Hazel Lynn and León Jose Max; his paternal grandparents, Jose Maximino and Tiofila Garcia, who raised him with unconditional love; his mother, Febye Villareal-Garcia; his paternal great-grandparents, Jose Salvadór and Genara Garcia; his maternal grandparents, Elfidor and Ernostine Garcia; and his maternal great-grandparents, Cesario and Ernestine Villareal. Siblings Leonard, Gary, and Judy Garcia; his godparents, John and Lorraine Apodaca; his aunt, Maxine Saavedra; his god-sister, Theresa Apodaca; close childhood cousins Josephine and Vera Garcia; and his mother-in-law, Debbie Romero, as well as his brother-in-law, Jamie Trujillo. As well as childhood friends Earl Martinez and Harold Romero.

León is survived by his domestic partner/significant other, Florence; his children, Dwayne (Aurora) and Breanna (Nathaniel); his cherished grandchildren, Adalyn, Owen, Isaiah, and Santos. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Alyssa Valdez; his parents, Joe and Gloria Garcia; and his siblings, James Garcia (Cleo), Teofila (Jamie) Esquibel, Victoria (Matt) Romero, Ruby (Jaime) Sanchez, Elaine, Dale, Loretta Garcia, and Trina Nevarez. His brother and lifelong best friend, Leonard Montoya. Leon is survived his father-in-law, Rumaldo Romero; sister-in-law, Victoria Romero; and his goddaughters, Lastarlafay, Verdagean, Alejandra, Makayla, and Kyla Trujillo. He is also survived by his aunts, Gene (Willie) Maez; his uncle; Michael Saavedra; his cousins, Marcy Garcia, Anthony Maez, Bridget Maez, Noel Maez, Michael Saavedra, and Christopher Saavedra; his God-brother and God-sister, Earl and Janet Apodaca. He leaves behind many other cherished friends and family members, each of whom he loved dearly.

Services are pending.

Pallbearers are as follows: Leonard Montoya, Earl Apodaca, Rumaldo Romero, Dwayne R. Sanchez, Alejandro Romero, and Jill Archuleta.

Honorary Pallbearers: Adalyn, Owen, Isaiah and Santos.

The family of León Garcia has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. www.devargasfuneral.com 505-747-7477