Our dear husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, Albert (Joe Albert) Garcia passed away on April 24, 2022, at the age of 92.  He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife Mary Helen, their children Joseph Albert and wife Tami, Lorraine and husband Tom, and Valerie and husband Dave, and grandchildren and a great grandchild.  He was a lifelong resident of San Antonio.  Joe Albert died peacefully at home with his beloved wife by his side.

Joe Albert was born on February 17, 1930 to David and Fidela Garcia.  He was one of twelve siblings.  He is proceeded in death by his parents, David and Fidela Garcia, and 7 siblings.

At the age of 18, he enlisted in the US Army and prepared to travel the world.  He was assigned to Camp Hood, TX.  After completing his one-year enlistment he returned to San Antonio.  He enlisted in the US Navy Reserves and after one year, he entered active duty in the US Navy.  He was assigned to the U.S.S. Consolation, a hospital ship, and spent over 3 years in the Navy during the Korean War.  During this time, he fulfilled his dream of traveling the world, spending time in Japan and other areas of Asia.

After his military service, he returned to San Antonio and completed his high school education graduating from Fox Tech High School.  Upon graduation, he attended San Antonio College.

After returning home, Joe Albert met his future wife, Mary Helen Salas.  He was a member of the Young Men's Club at San Fernando Cathedral that was holding a dance at the Municipal Auditorium and went with his friend Frank Salas.  He saw a girl and told Frank he was going to ask her to dance, not knowing it was Frank's younger sister, Mary Helen.  And that's where their story begins, as he would say it was love at first sight.  They dated and were married June 29, 1958 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church.  Joe Albert and Mary Helen had a marriage stories are written about.  They were husband and wife but also best friends.  Not a day passed without him saying I love you and you're beautiful.  They were always holding hands, were always together and would say they missed each other even if it was a solo trip to run errands.  Joe Albert was someone who loved wholeheartedly, and it was evident in the complete devotion and love for his wife, who completely matched his love with her love for him.  They traveled from coast to coast during their marriage.  They went to California and Colorado on their honeymoon.  And later in life to the east coast to North Carolina, New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Florida along with many trips to Las Vegas.  They were an inseparable couple, choosing to spend time with each other more than anyone else.  They would have celebrated their 64 ^th wedding anniversary this summer.

Joe Albert started working at the US Post Office in 1957 and continued to work there until his retirement in 1992.  His initial position was a Postal Clerk and continued to work his way up to Delivery Service Analyst at retirement.

Joe Albert was a man of many talents.  He enjoyed working outside, planting a huge garden with his son, he always had herbs growing and grew tomatoes every season.  He also grew African violets and he and his beloved wife Mary Helen would travel to different festivals to get different varieties.  He was an amazing baker and his Christmas cookies were something family and friends looked forward to every year.  He was a talented woodworker making wooden toys, highchairs and cradles for his grandchildren.  Also he made furniture, including entertainment centers, 4-poster beds, end tables, rocking horses and many more things for his wife and children, extended family, and friends.  He did his woodworking in his garage with jazz playing in the background and with a dog or two at his feet.  His BBQ skills were legendary.  His smoked turkeys were always expected at Thanksgiving and rarely did a weekend go by that hamburgers and steaks were not on the pit.  Sunday morning treats were drop biscuits that cannot be duplicated.  He could sooth a grandchild to sleep with a rocking of the knee.  He was known as "Papo" to his grandchildren and delighted them by handing out ice cream cones that became known as "Papo cones".  He passed down his love of music especially jazz and Frank Sinatra.  He was a wonderful, joyful person who was not one to pass up teasing and joking always with a twinkle in his eye.

Joe Albert was a devoted Catholic.  He began his service as a Eucharist minister in 1971 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, and continued his service at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and Baptist hospital.  He attended the ACTS retreat with Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.  His devotion to his Catholic faith was also shared with his beloved wife, as they attended 6:30am mass during lent for many years, and continued to watch mass online together when they could no longer attend in person.

Joe Albert was also deeply devoted to his family.  He helped coach CYO baseball and softball and was very involved with his children's catholic schools.  He provided unconditional love and support which will never be forgotten.  He encouraged and supported his children through their education and was very proud of their degrees from UTSA and Texas A&M.

Joe Albert was a man who would help everyone he could.  Nothing was impossible for him.  He helped care for his father-in-law when he was sick, carrying him to bed at night when he could no longer walk.  His children knew he would jump into action at a moment's notice, from anything from babysitting to home repair or advice about the yard.  And there was nothing his beloved wife could ask him to do that was not possible.

Joe Albert is survived by his wife of 63 years Mary Helen Garcia, children Joseph Albert Garcia and wife Tami, Lorraine Scheller and husband Tom, and Valerie Parker and husband Dave.  His surviving sisters include Beatrice Rodriguez, Lucille Gutierrez, Della Daniels, and Sylvia Alvarez and husband Richard.  He is survived by 8 grandchildren Nathaniel Garcia, Gabrielle Garcia, Laurel Garcia, Austin Scheller, Sarah Scheller, David Parker, Isabella Parker, and Jacob Parker, and 1 great grandchild Nicolette DeSocio.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and extended family.

Our family wants to give a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Abe Rodriguez.  His support and medical care were beyond our expectations and Joe Albert was able to live his life at home how he wanted, thank you!

In lieu of flowers please make donations in memory of Albert (Joe Albert) Garcia to Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, 600 Oblate Dr, San Antonio, TX 78216

The Family will receive family and friends on May 18 from 5-7pm for visitation at the Angelus Funeral home followed by the Rosary at 7pm.  Funeral mass will be May 19 at 12:30pm at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 600 Oblate Dr. San Antonio, TX 78216 followed by interment at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.