Hector Rogelio Garcia

Hector Rogelio Garcia of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at the age of 92. Hector was preceded in death by his wife Blanca Louisa Garcia, father, Maximo Fabio Garcia, and his mother, Ana Maria Felisa Sabino. He is survived by his daughters, Saraya Garcia and Anna Herrera, husband Ronnie Herrera and granddaughters, Alexandria and Sophia, brothers, sisters, and many nieces and nephews.

Hector passed away due to complications of kidney failure. He dealt with the illness just as he dealt with all life experiences; with strength, grace and dignity and spent as much time as possible with his loved ones. In his final days, he was surrounded by his daughters and caretakers.

Hector was born in General Paz Partido, a province northeast of Buenos Aires, Argentina, on August 24, 1928 to Maximo Fabio Garica and Ana Maria Felisa Sabino. Hector was one of twelve siblings and was raised on a farm with his brothers and sisters. This is where he learned to care for animals, especially horses. In 1949, Hector enlisted in the Ejercito Argentino (Argentina Milirary). He proudly served his country until 1954 and became quite the marksman. Upon returning to civilian life, Hector resumed his life with horses and began his dream of becoming a professional polo player. He not only became a professional polo player, but also trained polo ponies, became an instructor and learned the skill of making and repairing polo mallets. He traveled to Spain, France, England, Venezuela, and the United States working with various polo pony owners. He won numerous Polo tournaments, winning trophies and being featured in several magazines and newspapers. Hector was rated one of the highest goal players for the Houston Polo Club. He was loved by everyone he met and was very knowledgeable about horses and the sport of Polo.

Article in The Houston Post – 1990

Straight from the horses: Not nearly so important are the scores of last Sunday’s polo game as these tails in passing. The finest start at the Houston Polo field for three weeks and going (he ran away with the game last week playing for Stuben/Loreley Farms and was just voted most valuable player for the two week Texas vx. Mexico tournament) is hero Hector Garcia. We’ve just now been dazzled, only to learn he’s been active at the polo club for 20 years or more. If you won’t tell who says so, we’ll also tell you this fellow is 62 years old. And we can’t even get out of sports cars gracefully anymore.

Hector retired from Polo in 1993 after working for Mr. William S. Farish, III, the Founder of the Houston Polo Club. Hector worked for Mr. Farish for more than 20 years. After retirement, he and Blanca often traveled to see their families in Venezuela, Argentina and they also took several vacations with family and friends. Hector also continued to be active at the Houston Polo Club as a spectator and occasional consultant.

Hector met his beautiful wife, Blanca Luisa Martinez while traveling to Venezuela. They married in 1961 and moved to Florida six months later. There they began their life in the United States. They lived in many states while Hector persued his passion for playing polo. They started a family and had two beautiful daughters. After many years of traveling, the family finally settled in Houston, Texas. There Blanca stayed at home with the girls while Hector continued to travel and thrive in the sport.

Hector and Blanca became a United States Citizens in 1985. They were grateful and honored to become United States citizens. Their daughters helped them with American history and they would practice singing the National Anthem together.

Hector and Blanca were also very active in bible study and the “Legion de Maria” at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Houston. It was there that they made beautiful, longlasting friendships during their work in the Church. During his spare time, Hector provided many rosaries to those that he met.

Another of Hector's greatest joy in life were his two beautiful granddaughters Alexandria and Sophia, whom he called “his pretty girls.” He and Blanca were very present in their granddaughter’s lives and enjoyed all the pleasures of being grandparents.

The family is grateful to Crossroads Hospice Houston and You’re First Care for their help and compassion during Hector’s last months. The family is especially thankful for Ms. Gladys and Ms. Dolly for their genuine love, care and respect of Hector. They are true angels.

Rest in peace daddy. You are with mommy now.

In lieu of flowers, please consider dontating to a charity that is dear to your heart.

There will be a visitation on Tuesday, March 23rd.

The funeral service will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 6646 Addicks Satsuma Rd, Houston, TX 77084 on Wednesday March 24th, 2020 at 10:30 am with interment immediately following at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX.