Romeo Garza, Sr.

Retired San Benito businessman and entrepreneur Romeo Garza, Sr., peacefully passed away at his home on July 29, 2025, at age 93.

He was born to Eusebio and Manuela Garza in San Benito, Texas, on May 31, 1932.

Romeo served proudly in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries he received in combat. After the war, he utilized the G.I. Bill to further his education in Business Administration. Following graduation, Romeo built a successful career as an entrepreneur and business owner for 68 years. From 1964 to 1984, he served as Justice of the Peace in San Benito. He also actively contributed to his hometown by participating in the City of San Benito Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, and as a Boy Scouts of America Scout Master.

He was of the Catholic faith and a member of Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church. In his leisure time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening.

Romeo is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ruben Garza, Sr., and his sister Raquel Saldaña Taylor. 

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Irma Garza; his children, Sylvia Olvera (Mike, Sr.), Romeo Garza (Nora), the Hon. Judge David Garza (Mari), Diana Ramirez (Ruben), Nelda Garza, Reynaldo Garza, Edina Garza Cortez (Lionel), and Carlos Garza (Angela); numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Special thanks to Romeo’s caregivers: Miss Yanina, Miss Norma, Miss Lucy; Registered Nurses Samuel Silguero III, Ricard Perez, and Vickie De La Rosa, DON; Certified Nursing Assistants Evangelina Rodriguez and Elisa Garcia; and Amable Home Care Hospice.

The Garza family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church. After the Mass, Romeo will be laid to rest with full military honors at Mont Meta Memorial Park.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Nicholaus Garza, Aron David Garza, Steven Cortez, Adam Cortez, Roland Romeo Cortez, Raymond Garza, Robert Garza, and Brian Garza.