Juan "Johnny" Barboza

San Juan - Juan “Johnny” Barboza, age 87, passed away on August 24, 2024, at his home. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and brother in Christ who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Juan was born on October 26, 1936, in his beloved hometown of San Juan, to parents Maximiliano Barboza and Teresa Alaniz Barboza. He was raised in San Juan with his brothers, Ciro Barboza and Jose Tomas “Pepito” Garza.

Juan attended PSJA schools and ran track in high school. After high school he enlisted in the Army National Guard and proudly served his country and the great State of Texas for 33 years. He was activated for active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis and again for Operation Iraqi Freedom/ Desert Storm.

He was a driver for the Southwestern Motor Transport Company for more than 35 years. Throughout his career, he was known for his hard work, dedication, and passion for helping others. He was a devout Christian and he was active with his church, St. John Lutheran Church in San Juan.

Juan was a proud father, grandfather, and great grandfather who loved spending time with his family. Above all, Juan cherished his wife, Avelina; they had been married for almost 65 years. She would remain by his side until his very last breath, in the house that he built for them and raised his family.

In his final days, Avelina cared for him 24 hours a day, every day. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Juan Barboza died at home peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, August 24, 2024.

He is preceded in death by his father, Maximiliano Barboza; his mother, Teresa Alaniz Barboza; and brothers, Ciro Barboza and Jose Tomas “Pepito” Garza.

Johnny leaves behind his wife, Avelina Barboza; sons, Johnny Ray (Joy) Barboza, Joel Rene (Gloria) Barboza, Jaime Roel (Nori) Barboza, and Jakim Roberto (Kim) Barboza; grandchildren, Samantha Barboza Briseno, Nicholas Barboza, Klarissa Barboza De Los Santos, Ashley Barboza, Andrea Barboza, Maximiliano Barboza, Anita Rose Barboza, Matthew Balli, Nicholas Balli, David Guevara, Marty Guevara; and several great grandchildren.

Visitation will begin at 5 p.m., with a 6 p.m. Celebration of Life Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Funeral service will take place at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, August 29, 2024, at St. John Lutheran Church in San Juan. Interment will follow at Palm Valley Memorial Gardens in Pharr.  Military honors will be conducted by VFW post 8788 of McAllen. Officiating will be Rev. Dr. Javier Alaniz.

Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan.