Ponciano Garcia

Ponciano Garcia, 102, two days shy of his 103rd birthday, of Harlingen, TX passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025. Born on a hacienda in Linares, Nuevo Leon, Mexico to Josefina and Antonio Garcia on April 2nd, 1922, Ponciano was a deeply passionate and exacting man with an abiding love for his family and a steady dedication to his work.

As a young man he worked as a carpenter and a baker. He played the trumpet, baritone horn and the drums and he loved to dance - especially the paso doble, tango and bolero. His love for music was lifelong.

In 1950 he married Raquel Dominguez who along with their two sons, Antonio (Tony) and Fernando, were his pride and joy. He worked for Boggus Ford as an auto body-man for over 30 years, retiring in 1989. Ponciano was a member of St. Anthony's parish. He liked his coffee boiling hot, and loved a good road trip, the Cowboys, and his telenovelas. He had an infectious laugh, wrote poetry and always had a story to tell.

Ponciano is survived by sons Tony (Sylvia) Garcia and Fernando Garcia; grandchildren Adriana, Cristina, Lisa and Noah; great-grandchildren Mia Pearl, Leo Miles and Espy Raquel. Ponciano (Tio Poncho) also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, god-children and friends who have been a constant support.

He is preceded in death by his wife Raquel and will be welcomed home by many friends and family members who have gone before him.

The Garcia family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7 o’clock Thursday evening. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Harlingen. Burial will take place at later date.

In lieu of flowers please consider sharing a meal with friends and family and playing a little Chavela Vargas. If you are able, consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, a cause Ponciano was passionate about.