Henry J. “Bozo” Garcia, age 84, of Breese, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Aviston Countryside Manor.
Born on September 1, 1940, in Breese, Henry was the beloved son of the late Gloria (née Gonzalez) and Henry “Beans” Garcia, Jr. On June 3, 1967, he married Phyllis Garcia (née Peters) at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Beckemeyer, and she survives in Breese.
In addition to his devoted wife of 58 years, Henry is survived by his sons, Brent (Brenda) Garcia of Swansea and Brian (Tara) Garcia; cherished grandchildren, Devin and Connor Jankowski, and Brooklyn and Londyn Garcia; dear sisters, Jacqueline (Carl) Aarns and JoAnn “Cook’e” Wuebbles, both of Beckemeyer; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Francis and Gertrude (née Kruep) Peters; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gary Wuebbles, Lavergne (Mary Ann) Peters, and James “Jim” (Judy) Peters.
Henry, affectionately known to many as “Bozo,” proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he dedicated many years to his work at National Steel in Granite City, where he retired as a mold cleaner. He was a faithful member of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese and a member of the Beckemeyer American Legion Post 1227.
Bozo found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially collecting stamps and baseball cards—hobbies he enjoyed with great passion and care.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese with Fr. James Nall presiding. Interment of cremains with military honors will follow at St. Dominic/St. Augustine Cemetery in Breese.
Visitation will be Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese.
In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorial donations may be made to the wishes of the family (checks payable to Phyllis Garcia) and will be received at the visitation or by mail to Moss Funeral Home, 535 N 5th St., Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
