Honoring Your Loved One
For Over 55 Years
Mt. Arlington, NJ John M Garza, a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corp, passed away peacefully, on Monday June 8,2026, at home surrounded by family and friends. The son of Joseph and Louise Garza, he was born June 30,1944 in Brooklyn, New York and attended Eastern District High School.
At the age of 18, John enlisted in the Marine Corp. He valued his service highly and attained the rank of Sergeant. As part of his service, he was deployed to Vietnam from 1965 to 1966 successfully attaining multiple medals in recognition of his bravery and demonstration of courage, honor and commitment to his fellow members and nation. He lived a life marked by service, dedication and love for his country.
Following his return home, he joined the New York City Police Department from 1968 until his retirement in 1986. He was stationed at the 88th Precinct in Brooklyn and the 120 Precinct in Staten Island.
After his retirement, he started another career as the Dispatch Supervisor for Access A Ride in Staten Island until 2002 when he moved to Mt. Arlington, NJ.
John is survived by his wife of 22 years, Clare, his daughter Melissa and her husband Michael, his sons Brandon and Matthew and his granddaughters Amelia and Angelina. He was predeceased by his sister, Josephine Garza-Varipapa (Josie) and his brother Joseph Garza Jr. (Sonny)
A viewing will be held at Davis and Hepplewhite Funeral Home in Succasunna, NJ on Thursday, June 11th from 2pm to 7pm. The Funeral Liturgy Mass will be on Friday, June 12th at St. Therese Church Succasunna, NJ at 10am followed by his entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover, NJ with Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in his name to Tunnel to Towers (T2T.org)
