Roy A. Garza

Roy A. Garza, 73, of Rock Island, Illinois passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at home with his family by his side after a brave battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Services are 12:00 p.m. Thursday, May 1, in the Horizon Room at Trimble Funeral Home at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline, with Father Antonio Dittmer officiating. A committal service will be held following services at the Rock Island National Cemetery. Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The American Cancer Society or your local humane society in Roy’s Honor.

Roy Anton Garza was born October 20, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Roy and Matilda (Zupan) Garza. He moved from Chicago to the Quad City area in 1963. He proudly served four years in the United States Army, in the 304th Signal Brigade as a Power Gen-Equip Operator Mechanic, stationed in Seoul, Korea. After his honorable discharge, Roy returned to Geneseo, Illinois, to help his family run Roy’s Taco House.

Roy met the love of his life, his beloved "lavender girl," Melissa James. They married in 1973 and later operated both the Annawan Café and Roy’s Taco House in Annawan, Illinois. Together, they raised two daughters. In 1984, Roy and Melissa moved their family to Milan, IL, where they continued to share their love of food and community through Roy’s Taco House until retiring in 2011.

Family was at the center of Roy’s life. He loved being "Papa" to his 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He treasured taking them on yearly vacations, playing with go-karts, and making lasting memories.

Roy loved being outdoors, especially with his dogs. He had several wonderful pets throughout the years. He enjoyed woodworking, creating things with his hands, finding treasures and selling them at flea markets. A jack-of-all-trades, he could fix just about anything. He enjoyed cooking for his family and friends, he really liked playing Canasta with his family, he was the Canasta King.

Roy could talk to anyone and was well known for his stories. Roy was a friend to everyone, he was a dad, papa, brother, uncle and friend to so many who needed him. He lived a life of generosity and kindness, always ready to lend a helping hand. He was a dedicated son, whom carried a humble spirit and gave his unwavering love to all around him.

Roy is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Melissa; cherished daughters, Andrea (Tim) Newcomb of Walcott, IA and Rachel (Shane) Lemmons of Moline, IL; grandchildren, Dillon Garza, Scarlet Garza, Cale Lemmons, Santana Chavez, Cereno (Kennedy) Chavez, and Haley Newcomb; great-grandchildren, Cassian Chavez, Ace Chavez, and Eri Chavez; sister, Irene (John) Kemmis of Geneseo, IL; best pal, Rick Mates; and his family, plus many long-time friends, loyal customers, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to their neighbor, Dee McIntyre; the University of Iowa Holden Cancer Center; The Hope Lodge in Iowa City; the Infusion Center at Illini Hospital; and Compassus Hospice Care — especially Teagan — for their compassionate care and support.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.