Joseph Robert Garza, M.D., passed away after a battle with cancer on July 27, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

Dr. Joe's pioneering work in the field of infertility and reproductive endocrinology helped create thousands of children and families who now exist because of his care and expertise. For almost 40 years, Dr. Joe was on call around the clock to help infertile couples realize their dreams of becoming parents. He relayed life-changing news time and again, delivered with boundless compassion and empathy.

A founding physician of the Institute for Women's Health and the Advanced Fertility Center, now known as Women's Health Texas, Dr. Joe helped develop the practice into the largest OB/GYN and fertility group in South Texas.

Born in Monterrey, Mexico on January 12, 1951 to Dr. and Mrs. R.E. Garza, Dr. Joe chose to pursue a career in medicine as the result of seeing the positive impact of his father's work as an OB/GYN. He had a heart of gold and was a proud Star Wars superfan who, in the tradition of the Jedi Order, followed a code of selflessness and service to others.

Dr. Joe graduated with honors from Keystone School, followed by Austin College and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, where he earned his medical degree. He went on to complete postdoctoral training at institutions including UTMB John Sealy Hospital in Galveston and the Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where he received a fellowship to study reproductive endocrinology and infertility.

In addition to his work at the Advanced Fertility Center, Dr. Joe served as an international lecturer and instructor in advanced laser and reproductive surgical and microsurgical procedures, and was a member of professional organizations including the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, the Society of Reproductive Surgeons, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, where we was a Fellow, and the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, where he was a Diplomate. He was one of the first physicians in San Antonio to perform surgery using the Da Vinci robot.

Dr. Joe was the recipient of multiple awards and recognitions. While in his first year of residency, the student body of the medical school voted him to be the best teaching resident at UTMB. Later, his work was recognized in a resolution by the 81st Texas House of Representatives; he was a multi-year recipient of the Patients' Choice Award, which is bestowed to physicians who have received near-perfect scores by their patients; and he was the inaugural recipient of Methodist Stone Oak's "Physician of the Quarter" award, which he was selected to receive out of 1,200 physicians. Further, he was voted as a Top Doctor 2020 by his peers.

At the Advanced Fertility Center, Dr. Joe was known for his calming presence, clear direction and love of anything Star Wars-related. The walls of his personal office were covered in Star Wars memorabilia and photos of families who might otherwise not exist were it not for his dedication and compassion.

The family he was most proud of creating, however, was his own. Joe married the love of his life , Lu Nell Brock, in 1981 , and together they had four wonderful children: Katharine, Lauren, Mark and Caroline . In 2017, Joe and Lu Nell became grandparents to their grandson Colt, followed in 2019 by Elise and in 2020 by Leo, who brought them so much joy.

The decades Dr. Joe spent caring for people through some of the most challenging times of their lives prepared him, in part, for his cancer diagnosis in February 2020. A man of deep faith, he was comforted by both his spirituality and the love that constantly surrounded him. He was an active parishioner at St. Anthony de Padua Church, where he was on team for many mens' ACTS Retreats as well as on team for the Married Couples Retreat, and was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his wife, Lu Nell Garza; children: Katharine Knox (Charlie), Lauren Nygard (Clay), Mark Garza (Courtney), and Caroline Garza; brothers: George Garza (Margaret) and David Garza (Mayte); sister, Marty Garza; grandchildren: Colton and Leo Nygard and Elise Knox; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Though now in a galaxy far, far away, his memory will also live on in the thousands of children he helped bring into this world.

Joe's life will be honored at St Anthony de Padua Church on Thursday, August 5, with the recitation of the Rosary at 11:00am and mass at 11:30am. A reception will follow. The family requests that you please bring and wear your mask for the safety of all.

Alternatively, you may view the services in real time on the Advanced Fertility Center Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedFertilityCenter

The family wishes to thank Dr. Luis Rodriguez, Dr. Sylvia Zubyk and the staff of The START Center for providing him with excellent care during his cancer treatment.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joe's name to the Knights of Columbus at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church or to the American Cancer Society. For those unable to attend services, please sign the online guestbook at www.theangelusfuneralhome.com

May his force be with you.