Alberto Garza

Alberto "Al" Garza

June 27, 1942 – January 16, 2025

Alberto "Al" Garza, 82, passed away on January 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family in Ridgecrest, CA. Al was born on June 27, 1942, to Federico and Eloisa Garza in San Diego, TX.

Al is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Lynn Garza; his children, Jennifer (Scott) Brady of Ridgecrest, CA, and Jeffrey (Joy) Wood of Delaware; and his cherished grandchildren, Kathryn and Jeffrey Brady of Ridgecrest and Levi and Logan Wood of Delaware.

Al proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, enlisting in 1961 after graduating high school. His dedication to his country spanned 25 years, during which he held various roles, including Avionic Maintenance Chief and liaison for NAWCWD and Marine Aviation Squadrons in support of laser-guided weapons systems. Al's service included eight deployments to Japan, Okinawa, South Korea, Norway, Hawaii, Panama (during the Cuban Missile Crisis), the Mediterranean, and Vietnam from July 1968 to August 1969. He also served aboard the USS Forrestal, USS Saratoga, and USS America. In 1978, while supporting the Marine All Weather Attack Squadron, VMA-332, he was nominated for the Marine Corps Aviation Electrician of the Year.

In 1985, Al was promoted to Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt) and completed an 18-month tour with Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, H&MS-12, at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. As the Avionics Maintenance Chief, he was responsible for O-level repairs of electrical and electronic systems for a fleet of 35 aircraft, including EA-6B, A-6, A-7, and A-4 models.

Following his military retirement in 1986, Al continued his career, working briefly for COMARCO before becoming a Civil Servant as an Electronics Technician. During his 26 years of Civil Service, Al supported QH-50s, Sidewinder, and AV-8B programs. He was recognized as a contributor to a 2011 patent for a "Method for Rapid Countermeasure Deployment Using a Pod."

Al met the love of his life, Lynn, on a blind date in Cherry Point, NC, in 1975. They were married on June 10, 1977, in Elizabeth City, NC, and in 1980, they moved their family to China Lake, CA, where they built a life together.

Al's passion for golf began during his deployment to Japan and became a lifelong hobby, earning him the nickname "Bonzo" for his incredible long drives. He also enjoyed trap shooting and cherished time spent with family and friends at tournaments and events.

Al's legacy is one of service, dedication, and love for his family and country. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Burial services with full Military Honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery, VA. A visitation will be held at Holland and Lyons Chapel on February 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of life at the Elks BPO Ridgecrest Lodge 1913 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Below is a list of Charities that the family has asked you to donate in Lieu of Flowers.