Obituary of Gabriel Garcia Sezate

Gabriel Garcia Sezate, 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 13^th, 2023 at his home in Mesa. He was born on January 20^th, 1936 in Mesa, Arizona to Cándido and Ramona Sezate. He attended Mesa High School and developed a strong work ethic at a very young age. He started working as an early teen picking cotton, helping his family harvest fruit, hauling hay, and earth balling citrus trees. He excelled in athletics. He had a successful undefeated amateur boxing career, culminating in the Golden Gloves Competition in Phoenix. He also played on a championship softball team, Los Compadres, where he was the MVP in 1965. He began his career as a commercial truck driver delivering produce and cement until he retired.

He met the love of his life and future wife, Eva, in the 8^th grade at Franklin School. They were married in 1955 and celebrated 68 years of marriage. Gabriel was known for his love and dedication to his family, he adored spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His favorite hobby was maintaining his orchards and gardens. He was blessed with a green thumb and could grow just about anything. He was generous in sharing his knowledge and his produce.

He was a faithful servant to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together with his wife, they served a mission in Bogotá, Colombia from 2004-2006. He is survived by his wife, Eva Pagán, his two children, Gabriel Sezate (Anna) and John Sezate, his seven grandchildren, Gabriel Sezate (Kelly), Erica Sezate, Adam Sezate (Reena), Alex Sezate (William Frain), Aimee Sezate (RD Wright), Annie Sezate, and Sydnie Sezate, his eight great grandchildren, Kyrstin Sezate, Athen Sezate, Katherine Sezate, Jax Campo, Kylie Sezate, Diego Sezate, Lily Frain, Dev Sezate, his sisters Toni Casarez, Alice Estrada, Connie Zazueta , Maggie Olea, and Martha Soza (Bob).

The visitation will be held on Thursday, September 21^st, from 6pm-8pm at Meldrum Mortuary, 52 N. Macdonald, Mesa, AZ. Services will be held on Friday, September 22^nd, at 11 AM with a viewing one hour prior at the LDS Church, 830 E. Lehi Rd. Mesa (corner of Horne and Lehi Roads).