Cecilio Alvarez Garza, 87, of Quincy, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family on February 12, 2019. Cecilio was born on November 20, 1931, to Consuelo Garza and Altagracia Alvarez in Mendez Tamaulipas Mexico.

Cecilio started work in agriculture at a young age in Mexico. In 1952 he was granted entry into the United States of America through the Braceros program for migrant workers. Shortly after he became a citizen of United States of America. Cecilio and Rita migrated to Idaho for a short time before coming to Quincy to make a permanent residence for his wife and 9 children in 1965.

Cecilio started farm work in 1965 for various farmers in Quincy such as Kerr, Cedergreen, Hirai, and Weil farms. He later found work at Lamb Weston in 1979, which he retired from in 1993.

Cecilio completed an English as a second language course as well as a basic education course in 1970. He instilled into his children the value of an education.

Cecilio met Rita Salas in Tamaulipas Mexico, where they fell in love and wed on May 2, 1953. They celebrated 66 years of holy matrimony in May of 2018. Cecilio and Rita have 8 daughters and 1 son.

Some of his passions included spending time with his family and friends, lending a helping hand to fellow community members, yard work, recycling aluminum cans, cruising around town and doing scratch tickets. He also enjoyed visiting family in California, Texas, and Mexico. He was well known through the whole community and respected.

His infectious smile will be greatly missed by his family, friends and those community members who knew him simply as "grandpa." We love you.
Cecilio is survived by his wife Rita Garza, daughters Angie Padron, Sylvia Garza, Diana (Adam) Hernandez, Nancy Mireles, Linda (Rafael) Guzman, Gracie (Danny) Almaraz, Lupe (Jose) Carillo, and Mary (Simon) Garcia, and daughter-in-law, Mary Lou Garza, all of Quincy. He is also survived by siblings Amelia Perez, Reynosa, Tamaulipas; Ramon Garza-Valle, Hermoso, Tamaulipas; Guadalupe Gonzalez, Gilroy, California; Antonio Garza-Valle, Hermoso, Tamaulipas; Alicia Mireles, San Luis Potosi, Nuevo Leon; Clemente Salinas, Columbia, South Carolina; 25 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Consuelo and Altagracia, siblings Monse, Adella Munoz, Jose Torres, son, Arnold Garza, son-in-law Roy Padron and grandson, Mario Guzman.

Funeral services were held at St. Pius X Catholic Church on February 19, 2019. Burial at Quincy Valley Cemetery followed by a luncheon at St. Pius X hall.

A special thank-you to Providence Funeral Home, Assured Hospice, Confluence Health, Sageview Clinic,
St. Pius X and to everyone who sent flowers, cards and food.