Jose Garza

Jose Vicente Garza was born May 28, 1975 and passed away January 30, 2026. Joe battled Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Pancreas, Liver, and Bones for 4 years. He fought bravely through every step, for his family, his friends, and his students.

He was born at White Memorial Hospital in East Los Angeles in 1975. He went to Delevan Drive Elementary in Glassell Park, and then to Eagle Rock Junior/Senior High School. Joe went to Pacific Christian High School and then went to Azusa Pacific University for his Bachelors and Master Degrees.

Joe always knew he wanted to be a teacher. He spent years in school doing service in Mexico and overseas in Romania. He enjoyed giving back through service and went on to become a lifelong educator. When he attended Azusa Pacific University he studied History and Philosophy. Later in his teaching career he went back to study Educational Technology. He was always trying to learn more and do what was best for his students.

He had a passion for teaching which led him to a career in education. He started as a teacher’s aide in the late 90’s at Deleven Drive Elementary, giving back to the community he grew up in. In 1999 he then taught 3rd and 5th grade at Our Lady of Guadalupe, where he loved the challenges of educating the next generation and introducing art and theater to his students and drama club, El Papel. It was there where he met his future wife. 

Joe was also an avid fencer through his teaching career. He taught fencing in Malibu at the Malibu Fencing Club and at Cambell Hall for many summers. His love of fencing and martial arts continued through his life and he was so proud that he was able to share fencing and jiu-sitsu with his children. 

After teaching elementary school for many years, he moved on to teach middle school in 2007 at PUC CALS Charter Middle School. He finished off his career this past December, 2025 with his students creating projects and doing speeches in his History classes. He loved to incorporate art, literature, and writing into his History classes and loved having pop-up debates.

Joe Garza is remembered by countless students and colleagues as a caring influence who really made history come alive. He was a History teacher, through and through. He truly cared for each of his students and made sure they all walked away as scholars and caring human beings. He loved to share his passion to future generations of teachers as well, and was the National Center for Teacher Residency (NCTR) Mentor of the Year in 2019.

Joe loved his family. He gave his all every step of the way. He wrote a book for his boys to teach them how to read. He led by example, and gave love selflessly. He always sought out ways to better himself and support his family. 

Jose V. Garza was preceded in death by his father Jose L. Garza, and is survived by his loving wife Nicole Garza, his two sons Nicholas Lennon Garza and Joseph Patrick Garza, and his stepchild Bri Ibarra.

He is also survived by his extended family; his mother Olga Garza, his brother Luis Garza and family, his sister Olga Rodriguez and family, his half brother Juan Garza and family and his countless friends, colleagues, and students.

The Viewing is Friday, March 6, 2026 from 5p.m. - 9pm and the Memorial Service is March 7, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., both at the Church of the Recessional at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 1712 S. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, CA 91205. Donations can be made to the family for his son’s educational pursuits to live out his dream of lifelong learning.