Arnulfo "Arnie" Montijo Garcia

CASA GRANDE - Arnulfo Montijo "Arnie" Garcia, 76, a longtime Casa Grande restaurateur, died on Feb. 24, 2016, at Serenity Hospice.

Mr. Garcia was born on Sept. 1, 1939, in Eloy and was a son of Reginald and Mercedes Garcia. He married Lucy Ochoa on Jan. 14, 1961. He attended the University of Arizona before deciding to help run the family business, Ochoa’s Restaurant, and raise younger brothers and sisters after their mother died in a car accident.

In his younger years he liked to bowl, camp, hunt and fish, especially enjoying trips to Mexico with family. He liked to travel and was able to visit many of the states and parts of Canada. A fan of the Arizona baseball, basketball and football teams, he enjoyed the recent Cardinals season. He enjoyed playing golf with his son and brothers. He owned and operated Ochoa’s Restaurant his entire career, never wanting to retire. A kind and understanding man, he was known for helping others his whole life and was very patient, with boundless love for his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Melissa Garcia of Casa Grande; a son, Arnie Garcia of Chandler; four sisters, Stella Garcia, Lydia Lomeli and Rachel Rodriguez, all of Casa Grande, and Virginia Fleming of Sierra Vista; two brothers, Rueben Garcia of Casa Grande and Ernie Garcia of Montana; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, with rosary recited at 11. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30. Burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.