HARLINGEN, Texas - Tributes are pouring in for former Harlingen Mayor Connie de la Garza, who has died at the age of 81.
De la Garza, a realtor, is being remembered as a champion of his beloved city.
"Connie was a great champion for the City of Harlingen. He was always looking for ways to grow Harlingen and the Rio Grande Valley. He helped create over 2,000 jobs as mayor. It is a great loss for our community and I will miss him very much,” said former Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell.
Bob Duncan, a retired banker, said: “Connie was one of the best mayors Harlingen ever had. He bridged the era between the old guard and today’s younger leaders. He worked so well with all sectors of our community for the development of a modern and prosperous Harlingen. He was so knowledgeable about the infrastructure needs and insured that Harlingen was prepared for the future. We will miss his knowledge and expertise.”
Ken Jones, former executive director of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council, said: “I was saddened to hear of Connie de la Garza 's passing and I send my sincere condolences to his family. Connie was a true public servant representing the City of Harlingen and Rio Grande Valley region. He served as a board member of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council for a time. He always exhibited the highest professionalism and ethical standards throughout his tenure serving the council He will truly be missed.”
Bill Jorn, longtime general manager of KGBT Action 4 News in Harlingen, said: “The mayor was an exceptional human being. My dealings with him were always centered around what was best for the all concerned and not what was best for Connie. I for one will miss him and his welcoming smile.”
Tudor Uhlhorn, a former Harlingen City Commissioner, said: “Connie was a personal friend and a good man regardless of whether he was a citizen, a city commissioner or a mayor. His singular focus was to make Harlingen a better place to live and improve the lives of all its citizens. His passing is a big loss for the entire community.”
Harlingen City Commissioner Michael Mezmar said: “Connie was an intelligent man who did care deeply about Harlingen’s well being and success. He taught me many things.”
Harlingen realtor Debbie Elizarde said: “Connie de la Garza did so much for the city of Harlingen. He was so passionate about our great city, working tirelessly promoting not only Harlingen, but the entire region. His accomplishments were vast and too numerous to mention in all that he did. He leaves behind a great legacy to his family and community.”
Chris Gonzalez, former Harlingen Chamber of Commerce CEO, said: “Connie de la Garza was an example of what service above self reflects. He was an advocate for Harlingen, for the Chamber and the community. I was blessed to have known him and have the opportunity to call him my friend.”
Dr. Diane Milliken Garza, a commissioner with the Texas Commission on the Arts and executive director of the Rio Grande Valley Philanthropic Foundation, said: “I was saddened to hear of Connie de la Garza’s passing and I send my sincere condolences to the family. Connie was a true champion of the City of Harlingen and the entire Grande Valley. He was so passionate about his city for which he worked tirelessly. His accomplishments towards local philanthropy were very notable. He leaves behind an example for us all, he will be greatly missed.”
Former state Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., said: “Connie de la Garza was one of Harlingen’s very best. He was a model of what a city mayor should be, and he led through great example. He was a patriot and he loved the people he served. Connie and I served in very important committees alongside other former mayors and local leaders. When we established the first medical school in the Valley, the Regional Academic Health Center, we were affiliated with the Health Science Center in San Antonio. He was always active in everything that was important to the Harlingen community and his very presence made a difference. Much success over the last four or five decades can be attributed to Connie's leadership. He was my dear friend. My heartfelt sympathy to his family and loved ones.”
Frank Morales, Harlingen City Commissioner, said: “Shortly after being elected to the city commission Mayor de la Garza reached out and provided me with his phone number. Rest assured I took full advantage. I appreciated his time and courtesy. He will be missed immensely.”
Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., said: “Mayor Connie de la Garza was not only a pioneer leader for the City of Harlingen, but for the RGV Hispanic community. His vision for Harlingen and his service to his community turned many ideas into reality and moved Harlingen forward. My most sincere condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.”
State Rep. Erin Elizabeth Gámez said: “Mayor Connie de la Garza will be greatly missed. He was not only a distinguished businessman and a skilled politician, but his true essence lay in being a force of positive change - a tide that raised all boats. His exceptional talents were devoted to the improvement of Harlingen and the entire Valley community. As we mourn the loss of a remarkable leader, my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”
J. Gilbert Leal, Ph.D., president emeritus, Texas State Technical College in Harlingen, said:
“It is with deep sorrow that my family and I offer our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family of Mayor/TSTC Board of Regents Connie De la Garza.
“He was my friend as well as my mentor in many ways. I met him for breakfast at Vela’s Restaurant many, many times along with his regular breakfast club friends to discuss current events in the city and nation. In fact, anyone coming to visit TSTC Harlingen has an automatic invitation to the breakfast club. This included TSTC Systems administration and many other dignitaries. I also enjoyed spending time dove hunting with Connie at my ranch. I’ve never known a better shot.
“His leadership skills were always on display. He served on the TSTC Board of Regents from 1995 to 2007. He was appointed to two consecutive terms and was extended two more years to resolve some unfinished business. Regent De la Garza served as TSTC Chairman for several years. During the thirty years I was President of TSTC Harlingen I attended over 150-plus Board meetings at locations all over the State of Texas, including Waco, Amarillo, Sweetwater and Marshall. He ran those meetings with the precision of a skilled surgeon. He was a master at running a meeting.
“Several of the buildings at TSTC Harlingen were approved during his tenure on the Board. They include the Representative Rangel Science and Technology, Senator Lucio Health Science, Auto Collision Tech, Advanced Manufacturing, Service Support Center, Learning Resource Center, Health Science Tech Addition, Automotive Diesel Addition, Child Care Center, Field House Addition and the Cultural Arts Center.
“Further, he was instrumental in the acquisition of 42 acres of land for the future grown and development of the campus. Through his Board service, Chairman Connie participated in meaningful projects at TSTC campuses all around the state. Even after his Board service ended I continued to refer to him as Mr. Chairman.
“His contributions to the State of Texas and especially the City of Harlingen are considerable. Chairman De la Garza will be greatly missed.”
