Alfonso Garcia

Our beloved Father, Grandfather, Uncle, and Friend, Alfonso (Al) Garcia passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on January 7, 2020 in Murray, Utah. He was born on December 9, 1922 in Lamy, New Mexico to Adelaido and Mary Garcia. On April 7, 1947 he married Marcelina Lopez. Alfonso became widowed, and later married Caridad Z. Garcia on February 14, 1991.
He served in the United States Army during World War II and fought in Operation Avalanche–the main invasion at Salerno by the American Fifth Army under Lieutenant General Mark Clark. He served as an Armored Tank Mechanic and went on to central Italy to fight the German troops. He was shot near Pisa, Italy, and was in the hospital for over a year from those injuries. He loved his Veteran Organizations and donated to them often. Alfonso received a Purple Heart for his courageous service for our country.
Al worked for 32 years and later retired from Kennecott Copper. He loved to fish and hunt and had many great times with friends and family. He loved to read and was very knowledgeable about many things. He loved working in his garage, he could fix anything and often times would do it to perfection. He loved to dance, and there would always be a long line waiting to dance with him. He had a great sense of humor – even when he fell ill. He loved to make people smile.
He loved to travel and took his family on many road trips. Al would frequently make the 12-hour journey down to New Mexico to visit his family.
While married to Anita, they were fortunate to travel to many destinations. They would frequently visit Anita’s family in Lorca, Spain and in France. Each trip was for a long period of time. He made friends everywhere he went. Although Alfonso was a strong man, he was a kind and loving one as well. He would help anyone in need, and especially hated injustice.
In May of this past year, he returned to Utah and blessed his daughter with his companionship. Together he and Carol enjoyed John Wayne movies, In and Out Burgers, Artic Circle – Brown Toppers, and road trips up in the Wasatch mountains.
He is survived by his daughter, Carol Kline, grandchildren Andrea Wixson (Gavin), Christopher (Trisha) Rodriguez, Teresa Wixson, Paul (Natalie) Rodriguez, and Jessica Pratt. He was able to build a special bond with his great-granddaughter Alisha Alaniz as she helped care for him.
Following Anita’s passing he was taken care of by her daughter, Corinne Ballard and her children, Mark Ballard (Nichole) Cari Merkel (Ryan) and their children.
Alfonso is preceded in death by his wife, Marcelina Lopez, his wife, Caridad Z. Garcia, and children: Ron Garcia, Louise Garcia, and Cathy Garcia.
Mass to be celebrated on Friday, January 17, 2020 at 11:00 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church 1375 Spring Lane, Salt Lake City, Utah. Visitation will be Thursday, January 16, 2020 at 7:00 PM at the same location. Interment will be at 2 PM at Memorial Redwood Cemetery 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah.
May he rest in peace. We all love him dearly, and he will be greatly missed!
Service Information
Viewing January 16, 2020 at 7:00 PM
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church 1375 Spring Lane, Salt Lake City, Utah





Funeral Service
January 17, 2020 at 11:00 AM
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church 1375 Spring Lane, Salt Lake City, Utah