Louis Anthony Gariano

Louis A. Gariano (known as Bud Bryson to his Atco, NJ friends), 90 yrs old, passed away after a long and storied life on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, while preparing for a cruise with his friends. Louis was born in New Jersey, on May 17, 1932. He was an entrepreneur, leader, visionary, and a Korean War Veteran. In 1952, he met and married Thelma Offenburger. They shared 50 wonderful years together and raised three children and five grandchildren. One of his first jobs in New Jersey was at the Courier Post in Camden from 1957 to 1962. Later, in 1971, he closed his business, T&L Repair in Atco, New Jersey, and moved his family to Las Cruces, New Mexico. There, he founded Moongate Water Co, Inc. to bring water to the community in need, and Space Murals Museum to honor those in the space industry. He is also the man behind the large Christmas Tree on Twin Peaks Mountain. He created a tradition by lighting the tree each year between Thanksgiving and New Years to share his favorite holiday, share a Christmas Tree with everyone, and wish the community a Merry Christmas. The tree will be lit in his honor on February 18th. Louis is preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna Bryson, his wife Thelma, and son Louis S. He is survived by son Jeff and his wife Patricia, daughter Kathleen and her husband Mark, his five grandchildren, Alysa and her husband Alan, John, Devon, Darian and Denton along with his partner Debra Kinyon, her children, Guinnevere and her husband Trent, Zachary, Derek, Adrian and grandchildren Emily, Rahana, Brianna, Max, Brayden, Elsa, Audrey, Graham and countless friends and family across the globe. Services will be held at Getz Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, February 18, 2023 beginning with viewing at 9:00am followed by services at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, Louis' family requests that memorial contributions may be made to any charity of contributor's choice to honor his memory. Service Information

Getz Funeral Home Chapel

1410 E. Bowman Ave.
Las Cruces, NM 88001