GILBERT JOSEPH GARCIA SR.
Sept. 14, 1918-March 4, 2011
Gilbert Joseph Garcia Sr. was born in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, Sept. 14, 1918, to Nicacio and Josefina Garcia.
Gilbert's family emigrated to the United States in 1927. Gilbert grew up, and lived his entire life in San Antonio, Texas.
He retired from a 35-year career at the world renowned Lucchese Boot Co. in 1988.
His parents and oldest brother, Jesse Garcia, preceded him in death.
Gilbert volunteered to serve in the United States Army in 1942, and in 1943, while in training at Camp Livingston, La., he became a United States citizen. He served as a private for two months, and was promoted and served for 36 months as a technical sergeant and section leader. He served in the China-Burma-India campaign, and was honorably discharged in December 1945.
He married Guadalupe Olivo in 1948, and together they raised five children.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Guadalupe O. Garcia; children, Dr. Gilbert Garcia Jr. and wife, Susana, of Goldsboro, Margaret A. Cassidy and husband, Donald, of The Woodlands, Texas, Sister Christine Garcia, SSND, serving in Douglas, Ariz., Rebecca Guijarro of Goldsboro, and Theresa J. Cassidy of Dallas, Texas.
He is also survived by his sister, Margaret Saenz, and his younger brother, Carlos Garcia and wife, Gladys, of San Antonio, Texas. Gilbert Garcia also leaves behind a legacy of 14 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
The family will be forever grateful to all of the wonderful, loving caregivers who assisted with Mr. Gilbert's care during the past two years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, Goldsboro, N.C.; St. Mary's Catholic Church of Goldsboro; or St. Mary's Catholic Church of Mount Olive.
A private funeral Mass will be celebrated.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on March 8, 2011 1:48 PM