Anthony Garcia

Anthony “Tony” Michael John Garcia

Tony Garcia age 44 of San Pedro, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Manuel D. Garcia, Mela A. Garcia, James F. Merhege and Barbara T. Merhege, and Uncle David Garcia.

Tony was born on June 23, 1981, To Leroy A. Garcia and Diana “Dede” Merhege” Garcia. He is survived by his only son, Ayden Anthony Andrew Garcia; Uncle Richard (Becky) Garcia; Aunt (God Mother) Jeanette (Neil) Ortega; Uncle (God Father) James (Debbie) Merhege; Uncle Steve (Jan) Merhege; Soul Sister Annaleah Dow-Blanco (Dominik). It is with deep sadness that we mourn his passing after his battle with cancer. Tony was fortunate to have had the companionship of his partner Ashley Garcia who never left him during his courageous fight to the bitter end.

As a devoted father, he provided Ayden with a loving, caring, and nurturing environment, along with his mother Stepanie Sanchez. Tony and Ayden were inseparable, and both were considered “Me and Mini Me.” Tony has passed on to Ayden his tremendous cooking skills as was seen on their weekly cooking shows that they recorded and documented on YouTube. Tony’s patient demeanor and grace was evident in how they interacted. Tony was brilliant and Ayden followed in his father’s footsteps with an incredible knack for solving complex problems.

Tony was involved in coaching and mentoring of young children in football, basketball and baseball, and many have said that he instilled confidence, inspired kids to play together, develop a strong work ethic, and build a brotherhood by teaching team unity over individual success, “there is no I in TEAM”.

Tony was a casino employee for over 20 years and spent most of his career at Buffalo Thunder where he was a supervisor of Table Games. He established deep friendships with fellow employees, and he was loved by all. Throughout his life he was loyal to his family and friends, and his word meant everything to him.

Serving as Honorary Pallbearers “Fire Youth Basketball Team Members”

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the hospital staff who provided Tony with compassionate and dignified care. Also, we thank all who offered kindness, prayers, thoughts, cards, and monetary support. Your graciousness has meant the world to us.

A rosary will be recited on December 10, 2025, at 9:30 am followed by Mass at 10:30 am at Holy Cross Church.

The family of Anthony Garcia has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley 505-747-7477