Jesse Edward Garay

Jesse Edward Garay Sr.

April 23, 1953 – September 7, 2026

Jesse Edward Garay Sr. was born on April 23, 1953, in Dallas, Texas, to Jesse and Carolina Garay. He passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026, in Dallas, Texas.

Jesse was born with a congenital heart condition known as Trilogy of Fallot, a rare heart defect present at birth involving three structural abnormalities. At just 4 years old, he became one of the first children to undergo open-heart surgery at Parkland Hospital in Dallas. His remarkable journey and courage led to him becoming a poster child for the American Heart Association.

Throughout his life, Jesse faced and survived many critical surgeries, pacemaker procedures, and battery replacements. Because of the severity of his condition, his parents were told that he might never reach many of life's major milestones. But by the grace of God, Jesse surpassed those expectations time and time again. His life was a testament to strength, perseverance, faith, and the determination to keep fighting against the odds.

Jesse was married to the love of his life, Raquel Torres Garay, for 24 years. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who cherished his family deeply. His greatest joy was spending time with the people he loved, and he also had a lifelong passion for the San Francisco 49ers.

Jesse devoted more than 20 years of service to the Knights of Columbus Council #3593, where he proudly dedicated his time to serving his community and helping others. He will be remembered for his loving heart, caring spirit, thoughtfulness, and wonderful sense of humor. Jesse had a way of making people laugh and feel loved, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Carolina Garay; his baby brother, Jesse Jr.; and his son, Jesse Edward Garay II.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Raquel Torres Garay; his children, Laura M. Rios, Michael A. Garay, Jessica M. Munoz and her husband, Alex Munoz, Christopher Torres, and Jessica R. Martinez and her husband, Mario Martinez.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Allison Stewart, Jesse Edward III Garay, Sammi A. Garay, Genesis L. Torres, Ame’li Teresa Munoz, Mario A. Martinez Jr., John S. Garay, Samuel G. Munoz, Jasmine R. Martinez, Nadaleana N. Rios, Lavayah L. Rios, and Micah A. Rios; and his great-grandson, Luca G. Garay.

Jesse is also survived by his siblings: Virginia Gonzalez and her husband, Gilbert Gonzalez; Gloria Garay Martinez; Idalia Camarillo and her husband, Victor Camarillo; Richard L. Garay and his wife, Lisa G. Garay; and Arthur H. Garay and his wife, Leticia Garay. He also leaves behind his longtime, loving neighbors, Juan and Adrian Cantu, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Jesse's memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him. Though he is no longer with us, the love he gave, the laughter he shared, and the memories he created will remain a part of his family for generations to come.

Rest peacefully, Dad. You were deeply loved, and you will never be forgotten.