Joe Garcia passed at sundown on April 24, 2026 at Casita Senior Living in Rio Rancho where he had been living for the past four years. While it was not his beloved home in Nambe, it is where he received the care and support that physically he needed. He formed strong bonds with his caregivers and the family is forever grateful for the love he received at Casita.

Joe was born Jose Odosio Garcia on January 21, 1944 to Elizario and Estefanita (Martinez) Garcia. He was the second youngest in a large and well-known family from the Pojoaque Valley.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Elizario and Estefanita Garcia. His siblings, Jose Guadalupe Garcia, Susie (Secundino) Quintana, Laura Garcia, Glora (Joe) Montoya, Elizario “JR” (Eva) Garcia, Ramon Garcia, Flora (Ross) Martinez, Pita (Joe) Sanchez and Norma Jean Garcia. He was also preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Dorothy (Baca) Garcia.

Joe attended school in Pojoaque and everyone knows he bled green. He was a proud supporter of the Elks (even when his children attended St. Michael’s High School). He thrived in basketball and was part of some of the great teams that won district/regional championships and challenged for State titles.

After high school, he married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Baca. He bounced around a few jobs before deciding he needed to learn a trade. He attended college in El Rito where he continued playing basketball as a player/coach and learned the skill of an electrician. He joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW 611) in 1973 and was a proud Union man even after retirement. In 2023, the Union honored him with a ceremony and his 50-year pin as he beamed with pride.

1973 is also the year that Joe and Dorothy welcomed their son, Joe Jr. In 1975 they would welcome their second child, Jennifer. While Joe and Dorothy’s marriage would eventually end in divorce, they remained friends and worked together to raise their children and support them in school and sports. Many remember the countless hours Joe and Dorothy put in volunteering for the Pojoaque Valley Little League.

Joe found love again when he met Debra Valdez and they were married for 39 years. Together they made their home in Nambe, New Mexico.

Joe is survived by his wife Debra (Valdez) Garcia. His children, Joe (Maria) Garcia and Jennifer (Aaron) Saavedra. His siblings, Annabelle (Ron) Brazeal, Robert (Lucy) Garcia and Ben (Charlotte) Garcia. His sister-in-laws, Rita (Valdez) Montano, Brenda (Valdez) Ortega and Marvine Garcia and brother-in-law Rudy Valdez. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their families including a very special niece, Andrea Salazar.

Services are pending at this time

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