Victor R. Garcia

MAYOR VICTOR R. GARCIA PHARR – Mayor Victor R. Garcia, 85, died Sunday, May 13, 2012, at his residence in Pharr. Victor was born and raised in Pharr. He graduated from PSJA High School in 1945, then went on to attend Pan American College, followed by attaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy from the University of Houston in 1952. Throughout his life, Victor had been involved with numerous civic and charitable organizations in his hometown, including the Rotary Club, Lions Club, Amigos Del Valle, United in Faith, Pharr Youth Baseball League, Friends of the Pharr Memorial Library, and the Pharr Chamber Of Commerce Greeters. In 1994, he was elected Mayor of the City of Pharr, and also served multiple terms as Pharr City Commissioner. He represented the interest of his constituency with integrity, courage and compassion. His accomplishments included the grand opening of the Pharr International Bridge and having the Victor Garcia Municipal Park named after him. Mr. Garcia was a successful businessman involved in many business ventures, including owning and operating Garcia’s Pharmacy in Pharr. Despite his many professional and civic responsibilities, he remained a devoted member of the St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Pharr. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ignacio and Librada R. Garcia; a sister, Guadalupe G. Gomez; two brothers, Manuel R. Garcia and Santos R. Garcia; five nieces, Panchita “Frances” Gonzalez, Angie G. Hofer, Graciela G. Gongora, Viginia G. Ramirez and Esmeralda Lopez. Mayor Garcia is survived by his wife, Maria G. Garcia of Pharr; four children, Francisco Roberto (Mary) Garcia of Houston, Texas, Jaime Roel Garcia, Hugo Reuben (Karen) Garcia, Laura R. (Joe) Torres all of Pharr; ten grandchildren, Yvonne Richardson, Elizabeth Dewees, Jaime Victor Garcia, Victoria Anette Garcia, Cristian Roel Garcia, Joseph Anthony Garcia, Jonathan Arthur Garcia, James Alexander Garcia, San Juanita Vianney Torres, Francisco Enoch Torres; and a sister, Monce R. Garcia of Pharr. Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m., with a 7 p.m. rosary, today, May 15, 2012, at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at St. Jude's Catholic Church in Pharr. Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery in McAllen. Serving as pallbearers will be Francisco Roberto Garcia, Jaime Roel Garcia, Hugo Reuben Garcia, Dionicio Garza, Oscar Gonzalez and Joe Torres. Honorary pallbearers will be Rafael “Rafa” Rivera and Mario Gomez. Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan.