Manuel "Manny" Garcia

Manuel "Manny" Garcia, 90, passed away on Friday, July 31, 2026.

Born in New Mexico on April 16, 1936, Manny lived a life defined by faith, family, music, hard work, and service to others.

He is survived by his five daughters, Genia Gutierrez (Gilbert), Sylvia Sanchez (Louie), Olga Garcia, Lorraine Gloria (Ernie), and Irene Thomas (Scooter); his son, Sal Garcia (Diana); 28 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

While attending Cobre High School in Grant County, New Mexico, Manny earned recognition as the school band's first-chair clarinetist. That early achievement sparked a lifelong passion for music and eventually led him to master the saxophone.

In 1957, Manny married the love of his life, Teresa Sanchez-Garcia, and together they moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in search of greater opportunities. He began his career as a painter's helper at a local auto body shop while continuing to pursue music on the weekends. His talent and dedication soon earned him the opportunity to perform at the Riverside Ballroom alongside Pete Bugarin and his band.

In 1976, Manny opened the doors to Manny's Paint & Auto Body, a business that became much more than an auto body shop. Nearly 50 years later, his legacy is measured by far more than the work he did. It lives on in the people he served, the community he helped build, and, above all, the family he loved so deeply.

Manny's entrepreneurial spirit and love for music came together when he and his brother, Ernie Garcia, founded Los Compas. As owner and musical director, Manny led the band for more than 30 years, shaping its sound and reputation across Arizona and beyond. Los Compas became known for its versatility, performing orchestral, classic, Latin, country, and Tex-Mex music at countless private events, corporate functions, and sold-out dances throughout the Southwest.

In 1982, Manny's legacy expanded through his family when his daughter, Sylvia Garcia-Sanchez, joined Los Compas as lead vocalist. The tradition continued as his grandsons, Tony Ramirez Jr. on second saxophone and Louie Sanchez Jr. on drums, joined the band, making Los Compas not only a musical enterprise but a true family legacy.

Beyond his accomplishments on stage and in business, Manny built something even greater, he built a community. He created opportunities for countless musicians by offering guidance, mentorship, and encouragement to anyone willing to learn. Whether through music, business, or simple acts of kindness, he had a gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and supported. His generosity of spirit left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Manuel "Manny" Garcia will be remembered as a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, gifted musician, successful businessman, and respected community leader. His legacy lives on through the music he shared, the family he cherished, the community he served, and the countless lives he touched.

To those who knew and loved him, Manny will always be remembered as a true legend.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. with rosary prayers at 7:00 p.m. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 East Indian School Road in Phoenix. On Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. a funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 6200 South Central Avenue in Phoenix. Burial to follow at East Resthaven Carr-Tenney Cemetery.