Anthony Louis Garza

Anthony (Tony) Louis Garza, age 74, peacefully entered eternal rest on Thursday, August 13, 2020. Born in San Antonio Texas in 1945 on the Feast of All Saints Day, November 1, to his parents Bruno and Virginia Miorelli Garza. Tony is survived by his wife, Suzel Garza; daughters, Janelle Byledbal and husband Mark Byledbal of Dallas, Texas; Lauryn Garza and husband Kai Aitchison of Portland, Oregon; grandchildren, Everett Louis Aitchison and Luke Anthony Byledbal; sister-in-law, Bebe Garza of San Antonio, Texas; and numerous precious nephews, nieces, cousins and extended family as well as former colleagues, special friends, and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bruno (1968) and Virginia Garza (2004), brother, Giovanni B. Garza (2005) and sister, Virginia Mendiola Martinez (2018).

Anthony "Tony”, was affectionately addressed by many names to include, “Grandpa T”, “Big Anthony”, “Tata”, "Bapa Tony" to name a few. Tony had a great love for God, his family, his country, and his close circle of lifelong friends and special neighbors- which Tony and Suzel would enjoy hosting dinner party gatherings for during these past few years.

Born into his primarily matrilineal Italian-American family, he embraced his Italian heritage that forever shaped his love for huge family gatherings with plenty of food and rich conversation. Tony enjoyed learning about his roots and family history through exchange of interesting stories about his elders and their life experiences growing up in their San Antonio neighborhood. His origins centered around the Italian community and the family church, San Francesco Di Paola Catholic Church, of which his grandparents (Giovanni and Domenica Miorelli) were founding members.

As a young man, Tony participated and excelled in many sports with baseball and basketball being his favorites. His tall and strong stature made him a fierce competitor catching the eye of coaches and recruiters. He loved sports and enjoyed the competition and comradery. Tony cultivated a strong work ethic in his early years- working at the library while attending Thomas Jefferson High School. He later attended and graduated from St. Mary’s University and focused his entire professional career within the financial arena of the auto industry. Tony recently retired.

While enrolled at St. Mary’s University, Tony was part of the Rho Beta Gamma fraternity. This brotherhood fostered lifetime friendships that transcended geographical borders. Tony, Suzel and their growing family moved to Dallas, Texas around 1976, but they always returned to visit San Antonio during the Christmas holidays and special occasions.

On August 1, 1970, Tony married the love of his life, his soul mate and best friend, Suzel Camps, and together they shared fifty (50) fantastic years of marriage which produced two (2) beautiful and successful daughters, Janelle and Lauryn, who were indeed, the apples of their father’s eye. Over the years they created many fun-filled memories by taking lengthy family vacations to Hawaii, embarking on numerous cruise adventures, and visiting Oregon where his youngest daughter, Lauryn resides with her family. Tony had an appreciation and love for music especially classic rock and blues. He attended many concerts through his lifetime including Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Lynyrd Skynyrd and most recently the Rolling Stones Tour in 2015 along with Suzel, Janelle and Mark. He always told a story about the first Rolling Stones concert in Texas (1964) where they were booed and laughed off the stage, but Tony loved them and cheered them on.

Tony and Suzel eagerly awaited the birth of their grandsons, Everett Louis Aitchison in December of 2015, and Luke Anthony Byledbal in November of 2016. Since then, the proud grandparents have enjoyed every phase of Everett and Luke’s life, talking over the phone, and if not in person, then via Facetime dates. Special moments singing, cooking, swimming, reading stories and all special memories created between the boys and their grandfather will forever be treasured.

Tony had a kind and giving spirit and was known to positively influence those around him, empowering others to pursue and achieve their best selves. He generated a stimulating energy and was always the best host/tour guide to anyone who wanted to explore his stomping grounds. Tony always had a kind word, helping hand, and silly joke waiting for you at any moment. You could always count on him in any situation for his guidance and advice.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and all the lives he touched over the years.