Gregory Paul Garza entered into rest on October 15, 2019, in San Antonio, Texas, doing what he loved to do. Born on April 21, 1970, in San Antonio, he was a member of the San Antonio Fire Department for 17 years and a part of the hazardous material response team. His lifelong dream after retirement was to teach firefighting classes at the local community college.
He spent hours researching firefighting training that would benefit his fellow firefighters. He loved to cook great meals for the fire shift on duty. One of the first to greet visitors for a firehouse tour, he was more than happy to explain the tools used in firefighting. He became a paramedic to help in those times the truck got to the scene before the paramedics arrived and he could begin to render aid. He would offer to work overtime during the holidays so firefighters with young children could spend the holidays with their families. The guys in the crew knew they could count on Greg to help them out.
Greg had a very giving and compassionate heart. He had a passion to save stray cats and had several cats that he rescued at home, one of which was handicapped. He befriended an elderly woman during firefighter block walks, because she told him she did not have any family to help her. He made a point to take her weekly for grocery shopping, lunch, or some other errand. He helped homeless people, buying the person lunch, shoes, or other needs. He helped neighbors and friends with random tasks and made time to go see sick friends and colleagues in the hospital. He was a great listener to his close friends.
He was a loving, kind, caring, and giving man. He was a wonderful and loving husband and a great son, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle. He had a passion for action figures, Hot Wheels, and Transformers. He was a great cook. He liked Leatherman multi-tools such as pocketknives and flashlights. He was one of a kind.
Gregory is survived by his wife, Sonia Evette Rodriguez Garza; parents, Joe O. and Bertha Garza; father-in-law, Donato G. Rodriguez; brothers, Joe A. Garza (Hope) and James A. Garza; nephews, Judge Anthony Rios and Joey E. Garza; brothers-in-law, Juan Antonio Rodriguez (Nubia) and Michael Rodriguez (Veronica); and nieces, Natalie Rodriguez, Megan Rodriguez, and Kaylin Rodriguez. Greg is also survived by numerous friends and countless others whose lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Gloria Nellie Rodriguez.
He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
Thank you for being such a great man to everyone that crossed your path. I had never shed a tear for another grown man until you were taken from us entirely way too early. Now I’m thankful you are watching over us with our heavenly father. Love ya and miss you sir.
Your little buddy,
– Eric CooperEric
Miss you brother, love you very much. I know you’re still watching over us, as you did in life, and doing everything you can to keep us safe. – Jimmy
– James GarzaGreg was a great guy, great FF & caring person. He is missed by everyone that knew him.
– Ray RodriguezHe sounds like a great man. I would have loved to meet him. The world needs more people like him.
– Jose PerezMuch respect to him for being a first responder and putting his life on the line. It’s sad how his wife was so sad and broken over his death that she was able to move on and move with a new man only after 6 weeks of his death. Both her and her new man have been and continue to live well off the money she received for his death.
– J Lopez6 weeks after his death his wife of 10 years was already living with someone else. With all the money she received from Greg’s death, Sonia (wife) financial supports her boyfriend who doesn’t work. They are living off the money the city gives her weekly and the insurance money she received. True Love.
– Richard SimmonsI miss you big brother! It’s been a long road but we’re pushing through. Thank you for being my big brother and thank for continuing to be an inspiration for us. I love you and miss you big brother, and miss your bear hugs. Continue to pray for us. I love you Brother!
– Joe Garza-Your brother Joe
Greg – Thank you for always being a beautiful example of service and love! Judge and Joey were blessed to have you as a role model and uncle. We ask that you continue to watch over us! We love and miss you!
– Hope GarzaI miss you more and more everyday Uncle Greg. You’re forever in our hearts.
Love,
– Joey GarzaJoey
Hey Primo,
– GeorgeHow is paradise? How is your dad, Tio Joe? Of course he is perfect like you. We miss both of you so much down here. Your Mom is so strong so are your brothers. Pray for us Greg. I need it. BLG ( Be Like Greg). ❤️🙏✌🏼-George
Jennifer Lopez and Richard Simmons, why don’t you two work on your music & dancing careers instead of slinging mud on here. How dare you post trash that has nothing to do with a fellow firefighter. Go to the Jerry Springer website and talk all the trash you want. Go ahead and reveal your “source” of personal and private information so that city employee can be terminated for releasing private information or the gackling hens page can be shut down once and for all. In the meantime, show some respect for Greg, show some respect for his family and show respect for yourselves.
– Eric Cooper