Joseph A. Garcia

Joseph Andrew Garcia, passed away at his home in Temecula, California, on March 4, 2023, at the age of 92. He was born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in the Chavez Ravine community of Palo Verde, which is now part of Dodger Stadium. He met his beloved wife, Dolores, when they were children. They married after his return from the Army, and raised three children in El Monte, California. They were married for 69 years before Dolores’ death in 2019.

Joseph, Dolores, and two of their young grandsons moved to Florida in 1997 to be near their eldest daughter. An expert welder, Joseph was soon hired by the city of Fort Walton Beach, only retiring due to an injury in 2016. During his city employment, he was awarded the 2013 Public/Utility Services Employee of the Year. Joseph didn’t relax in retirement, he kept a beautiful home and lawn. When Dolores passed away, Joseph returned to California and continued to work on his new garden and lawn.

Joseph was a man of deep faith and love for the Lord and always possessed a positive outlook on life. He was predeceased by his daughter, Lillian Macias, and is survived and overwhelmingly missed by his children, Irene Freiberg (Alan), and David Garcia; his grandchildren, Patricia Macias, Anna Parnell, Todd Carson, Andrew Macias, Marcy Beltowski (Ron), SSgt Joseph C. Garcia, USMC, and David Alan Garcia; his great-grandchildren, Jesse Macias, Sandra Beltowski, Creed Cathey, and Trenn Parnell; and great-great grandchild, Maya Macias.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at Rose Hills Cemetery in Whittier, California, on April 15, 2023.