Americo Garza, long time resident of Downey, CA, passed away at his home on July 15, 2022, at the age of 97.  He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.  Americo was born October 20, 1924 in Linares, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.  He is predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Ella Marie Garza, who passed in 2008.  In 2012, he married Shirley Anne Gasio.  He is survived by his wife Shirley, his children Richard Garza, Elsa Nanson, David Garza and Kathleen Garza, step-children Robert Gasio and Anne Marie Legan, as well as six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  

Americo moved to Huntington Park, CA, with his wife, Ella, in 1946. They moved to Downey in 1960.  His children attended Downey public schools and he, with his family, attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.

Americo left home and school at 14-years-old to work hundreds of miles away in southern Mexico.  As soon as he arrived in Los Angeles, he found a job and started attending school at night, first to learn English and then to pursue a college education.  He attended East LA Junior College and California State University, Los Angeles, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering in 1961. He achieved his California State Certification as a Professional Engineer in 1963.  He went on to achieve his Master of Science Degree from USC in Civil Engineering in 1968. Americo worked for Water and Power and then the City of Los Angeles rising to the position of Division Engineer.

Always working to support the rights of those in his community, Americo became active in his Union soon after beginning work in California.  At the City of Los Angeles he was a founding member of the Los Angeles City Employees Chicano Association (LACECA) and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE).  

After retirement in 1990, Americo served on the Board of the Retired Los Angeles City Employees Inc. (RLACEI) for over 20 years.  He stayed physically active using the facilities at the Downey YMCA.  He was an avid reader who enjoyed all types of literature and kept up to date with the LA Times. He missed his brothers and sisters in Mexico and made several trips to visit them after he retired.  His favorite pastime was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

At 93-years-old Americo was stricken by Parkinsonism that affected his daily activities. Pushing the limits of his abilities, each day he would walk around the block, greeting and being greeted by his neighbors.  He was a kind and generous person and was loved by all.

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