A popular singing quartet called The Quarter Notes, emerged in the golden era of the 1950s doo-wop music scene and harmonized from their hearts to “Never turn your back on love…” Of those four army boys with the teenage blues, grew a special man, Juan Garza-Gongora,  born on December 20th, 1934 of Catholic faith in Laredo, Texas to the noble parents of Lazaro and Lilia Garza-Gongora. Juan was a proud son and watchful, eldest brother to six loving, loyal siblings, Lazaro, Lilia, Patricia, Adrianna, Arturo and Raquel. God waited patiently behind as a thankful family was blessed with an absolutely wonderful 81 years of priceless memories before He embraced Juan with unconditional love on October 12th, 2016 and welcomed him into heaven. Juan is survived by his adoring wife of 57 years, Alma and their amazing, courageous children, Johnny, Vanessa, Denise and Loreni. He is also survived by his graceful grandchildren, Michael, Arielle, Christian, step grandchildren Zachary and McKenna, son in law Robert Martinez, grandson in law Jon Peace and great-grandson, Cale. Finally, Juan is survived by his treasured siblings Lazaro Garza-Gongora, Adrianna Garza-Gongora Rodriguez, Dr. Arturo Garza-Gongora, Raquel Garza-Gongora Solis and 18 amazing nieces and nephews. 
     Juan and fellow Quarter Note members Johnny Orfila, Rene Ornelas and Rene Herrera began to hone their sound in choir during his formative high school years at Martin High in Laredo, Texas. Together, the four young men banded as vagabonds of song and serenaded their way to musical talent scout, Jack O’Toole; however, the unquestionably talented quartet were told by O’Toole to  finish school first before taking the stage under the hot lights. After completion of high school where he participated in many athletics such as football, basketball, track and baseball lettering all four years, Juan received his diploma and continued his studies at Southwest Texas State University. Early on into his education, Juan and The Quarter Notes decided to knock on O’Toole’s door again, they would be signed and he would become their manager.
     Juan and The Quarter Notes’ musical careers took off from the night club scene as they received their first big break in 1956, garnering national exposure as they were invited to appear on Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts television broadcast, which was a talent show competition. The Quarter Notes won the competition with 1st place honors performing song “Quien Sera” and after, were set to appear on Godfrey’s morning show for a whole week. This publicity helped spark a national tour of Juan and The Quarter Notes performing in theaters and clubs with such engagements at Black Orchid in Chicago, Illinois, Ciro’s in Galveston, Texas, etc. Then in 1958, the United States Army drafted Juan but the other members of The Quarter Notes followed along, joining too, under the “buddy system.” All four gentlemen represented the Southern Command and 128th Evacuation Hospital as medics. One of their musical compositions won them the All-Army Recording Contest at Fort Carson in 1958. Then in Karlsruhe, Germany Juan and The Quarter Notes won 1st place prize in the vocal group competition of the USA-REUR Finals of the All Army Entertainment Contest in 1960.
     After winning the Rolling Along 1960 Army Talent Competition, Juan and The Quarter Notes performed in USO tours all over the world. Juan was the frontman of the group and entertained audiences with his charming charisma and lovable humor on stage. Quarter Note Herrera recalls, “Juan was a natural emcee.” During The Quarter Notes' musical tenure, Juan and the boys recorded under the Dot, Deluxe and Fox record labels that included 8 singles on 45 record format, including two songs breaking spots on the Top 40 music charts. When Juan and The Quarter Notes finally made their triumphed return home to Laredo, Texas after much success in the entertainment business, they were greeted by a parade of proud hometown supporters and  biggest supporter, Father George Gloeckner. On that same day, Juan and The Quarter Notes were also met by Mayor Guajardo and received the key to the city; however, Juan would retire from the group in the early 60s and marry his high school sweet heart and love of his life, Alma.
     Juan worked for KWEX TV Channel 41 as an Operations and Production Manager for the station. As kids, his beautiful daughters Vanessa, Denise and Loreni often times found themselves in commercials and television shows on the station Juan worked for such as Pepsi Peña, a weekly Top 40 music show and Funny Face Kool-Aid commercials. His son Johnny also appeared with the girls in those commercials. Juan took another job at NW Ayer as Account Executive, coordinating successful advertisement through the Hispanic media with the United States Army, eventually retiring from the workforce there. Once Juan’s children were grown and beginning families of their own, he decided to return to the stage with his Quarter Note brethren. 
     Reunited, the four original members took the stage yet again to perform one last time for their longtime fans, closest friends and newest family members. What a treat all around for the next generation to see and be ever so proud of their Cinderella story, happy ending so we thought… Best friends Juan and Johnny of The Quarter Notes would continue to take the stage throughout the years alongside new members, Jorge Ramirez and Manuel Ramirez, even recording new music. In the later years, Juan and The Quarter Notes would perform for charities, reunions and family events. They also presented musical scholarships to young Laredo students and alongside Velia, wife of late Quarter Note Herrara in 2009, Juan and Johnny of The Quarter Notes were given an award by the Webb County Heritage Foundation for their international achievements in the field of music.
     Mr. Juan Garza-Gongora was a beloved son, brother, cousin, friend, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather. His legacy lives on forever through his music, kind sense of humor, warm spirit, and cherished family. For his family and friends, he was like the wise anchor to a ship, always strong no matter how big the tidal wave was, he kept them safe. Juan was the heart of pure gold and soul of his family.

Memorial Service with Rosary is to be held in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, October 24th, 2016 from 1:00PM to 5:00PM at Alamo City Church, 6500 IH 35

Mass and Burial will be held the following day, Tuesday, October 25th, 2016 with Mass at 10:00AM at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on 4400 Moana Dr. with precession to Ft. Sam Houston Cemetery on 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd. for burial at 11:30AM