Johnny Gatica

Johnny S. Gatica, 77, of San Angelo entered into the presence of the Lord on Saturday, April 4, 2026, following a brief decline. Born to Juan and Catarina Gatica on December 30, 1948, he later married the love of his life, Rachael Serbin Gatica, on March 18, 1967. Together, they built their home and family in San Angelo, sharing 59 devoted years of marriage.

Johnny graduated from Central High School in 1967. His professional career included time with Mitsubishi Aerodynamics where he was a Pricing analyst.  He also spent several years at JCPenney, where he took great pride in completing management training, and he was regularly acknowledged for his top performance in sales.  Johnny went on to work for the San Angelo State Supported Living Center; while continuing in his supervisory roles, he was able to fulfill his deep desire for caring for others, he retired after 10 years.

Johnny was a gifted musician who played the guitar. He had a deep love for music and set high standards for himself and for the bands he formed, including “The Epics,” performing with Charlie Ramirez (drummer), Richard Ramirez (vocals), and Adam Trevino (bass).  His musical career gave him the opportunity to perform with other talented musicians, in which he developed lifelong relationships.  Johnny especially enjoyed jam sessions with Joe Dianda, Danny Moya, Tony Gutierrez, Sam Gonzales, Angel Noriega, Chris Bailey, Junior Cortez, and his nephew Anthony Borjas.  He was a devote Catholic, attending St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he shared his talent with the five o'clock Saturday mass and remained a member until his passing.

Johnny was known best for his deep devotion to his family.  Johnny and Rachael met in 1967 while he was playing with “The Epics.”  They married young and remained deeply devoted to one another ever since.  Their favorite song was “Tell It Like It Is” by Aaron Neville.  The feelings he had for his “Love” was unconditional and easy to see for anyone that knew them.  Johnny enjoyed life and cherished time spent with family, whether at barbecues, during holidays, or over a simple weeknight “linner.”  Together, they raised three sons, who brought the most precious gifts, his six grandchildren. Johnny was an amazing grandpa, “gramps,” and “papo” to each of them.  He cherished every moment with his grandchildren.

Johnny was preceded in death by his oldest son, R. Sonny Gatica, his parents Juan and Catarina Gatica, his sisters Olivia Marquez, Florinda Borjas, Josie Gomez and brother Jose Gatica. As well as sister in-law Isabel Gamez and brother in-laws Gilbert Deanda and Jack Gomez.

Johnny is survived by his loving wife Rachael.  His sons:  Jonathan and wife Kristy Gatica, Christopher and wife Krystina Gatica all of San Angelo, daughter-in-law Michelle Gatica of Fort Worth and six grandchildren Sergio, Dakota, Xavier, Hayden, Sunnie, and Gage. He is also survived by three sisters Anastacia (Julian) Morales, Lucy Deanda, Oralia Ramirez, and Janie (Rudy) Sosa, sisters-in-law Yolanda (Armando) Rodriguez and Nina Serbin as well as numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so during visitation from 3:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 07, 2026, at Gutierrez Funeral Chapels / North - 1002 N. Oakes Street, San Angelo, Texas 76903.  A Rosary will be said at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday April 07, 2026, at Gutierrez Funeral Chapels / North. Mass of the Resurrection will be on Wednesday April 08, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Fr. Joey Faylona, pastor, officiating.  Johnny will be laid to rest in Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Serving as Pallbearers are Xavier Gatica, Jeffrey Sosa, Anthony Borjas, Michael Constancio, Eddie Gatica, and Danny Moya.

Honorary Pallbearers: Sergio Gatica, Dakota Gatica, Hayden Gatica, Sunnie Gatica, and Gage Gatica.

Johnny’s family has entrusted his care to longtime family friends, Arnoldo M. Gutierrez and family and Gutierrez Funeral Chapels / North.

As a husband, father, grandfather, and devoted friend, he gave his family not only his time, but his presence - steady, faithful, and true. With a guitar in hand, he expressed what words often could not, creating moments that will not be forgotten.

His life will be remembered not only for what he did, but for how he lived, with quiet strength and deep care for those he loved.

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