Rafael Garcia Jr.

1927 - 2017

Rafael Garcia Jr. obituary, 1927-2017, Madison, CT

FUNERAL HOME

Swan Funeral Home

825 Boston Post Road

Madison, Connecticut

Rafael Garcia Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 29, 2017.

LTC Rafael Garcia, Jr., (USA, Ret.), of Madison, passed away on December 29, 2017, at home while surrounded by family.

He was born November 15, 1927 the son of Rafael Garcia, Sr., and Angelica Trevino Garcia, while his family was living in Burgos, Tamaulipas, Mexico. When he was three, his family returned to Mercedes, TX and Rafael grew up in the Rio Grande Valley, working on his family's ranch. In high school, he ran track, where his team was District champions his senior year.

After high school, he joined the U.S. Army Air Force, participating in the Berlin Airlift in 1948, and spending time stationed close to the North Pole to help establish the mid-Canada line of radars for early warning against Russian air and missile attacks.

After a discharge in 1949, he continued his education on the G.I. Bill at Texas Southmost College and then St. Mary's University, graduating in 1953 with a B.A. in History and a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant, Artillery, U.S. Army. Thus continued a 24-year career in the military, with postings first overseas in Germany and Italy, then to Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Turkey, Washington, Kentucky, China, and finally back stateside to California. During his service, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and an Army Commendation.

It was during his first posting in Germany in 1955 that he met and married a fellow traveler, Beth Allis of Meriden CT, who was similarly stationed overseas working for a civilian branch of the Army as head of the services club.

After retiring from the military in1970, he earned a Master's Degree from Southern Connecticut State College and began a second career as a high school history and Spanish teacher, and golf and rifle team coach, at Coginchaug Regional High School in Durham. His children figured he was probably an easy grader, because no matter where they went with him, if they encountered one of his students, their eyes grew wide with wonder as they said, "Mr. Garcia is your father? You are so lucky!"

Retirement from teaching brought time spent fishing on Long Island Sound, cutting and selling wood to fund the annual American Legion Christmas party, ironing during "Sew Days" for Quilts of Valor, and becoming an indulgent grandfather, famous for his ice cream breakfasts.

His children felt privileged to have grown up as military brats, and yes, they were lucky to have him as a father – he was happy to take you shopping the day after Christmas, unquestionably the one to treat you to dinner, or to pile you into the car to get ice cream at Friendly's on a hot summer night, infinitely patient and kind, always ready with a joke, and believer in an open bar as a requirement if he were hosting a function.

Rafael is survived by his wife Beth Allis Garcia; children Dr. Michael Garcia and his wife Sarah of Alexandria, VA and Dana Burnham and her husband Jim of Wilmington, MA; brother Gabriel Garcia and his wife Mary Ellen of Austin, TX; his son-in-law Stephen Gorin of Golden, CO; and grandchildren Charlotte and Samuel Garcia and Thomas and Charlie Burnham. He was predeceased by his daughter Margo Gorin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday January 6th, at 10 AM in St. Margaret Church, Academy St., Madison, CT. Burial with military honors will follow in West Cemetery. A reception following will be held at the American Legion, 43 Bradley Road.


In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Griswold Post 79 of the American Legion, 43 Bradley Road, Madison, CT 06443 or to Quilts of Valor, c/o Jane Dougherty, 20 Old Hickory Lane, Branford, CT 06405 or through the national website www.qovf.org, and noted for "Connecticut via Jane Dougherty."

A reception following the service and burial will be held at the American Legion, 43 Bradley Road, Madison. To sign the online guest book visit www.swanfuneralhomemadison.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
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Not sure what to say?

January 8, 2018

Shauna Fitzgerald

Mrs Garcia,
I am so sorry to hear about Ralph's passing. I have fond memories of him laughing with my dad. I know my dad considered Ralph to be his best friend and he will be missed by many

January 6, 2018

Dom Serafino

Dear Beth & Family, Ralph was a true friend, My condolences on Ralphs passing. Bruce and I will never forget doing the renovations on the house. We always got a free lunch, Beth was a fabulous cook.I always loved Ralph"s hot peppers and homemade Civechi, delicious.
Dom Serafino

January 4, 2018

Da Mulvey

Ralph was one of my best friends. We fished hard together. There is a void now that probably will never be filled. Hang in there, Ralph, I won't keep you waiting too long. And Choose a boat that will take us as far as we want to go. Mulv

January 3, 2018

My name is Lynda (Gill) DelVecchio. I am a 1980 graduate of CRHS. Mr. Garcia was by far and barring none the most wonderful, sweet, good-hearted individual I had the blessing to be taught by in all of my scholastic years. Kind, compassionate and so genuinely devoted to helping others through positive interaction, he has and always will be the single teacher who made the most amazing and everlasting impression on me and I will always remember him as such. God Bless you all and I pray your tears become forever smiles as fond memories fill your future!
Fondly,
Lynda :)

January 3, 2018

Dear Beth and Family, I'm saddened to hear of Ralph's passing. He was undoubtedly one of the most decent,fair-minded and easy going, not to mention, patriotic men I have ever known. He will be missed.
Sincerely, Tim Lemon

January 3, 2018

Dear Beth and family,
So sorry to hear of Rafael's death. I remember him as such a nice man and I am sure he will be greatly missed by all.
My deepest sympathy,
Jennifer Trautman Turton

January 3, 2018

Sheryl & Eric Slight

Mr. Garcia was my homeroom teacher and then after high school we would see him at Lions Club functions. He was always kind, giving, and easy going. Thinking and praying for all of you.

January 2, 2018

Ted & Judy Bertz

Ralph was a fine gentleman and a wonderful friend. He had a great sense of humor and we remember his great laugh. Always a gentleman we remember him most as our daughter, also a teacher at Coginchaug Regional High School and a prior student of Ralph's, told us of how Ralph stunned the senior class at CRHS on their senior trip when he appeared at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in full dress uniform as the change of guard occurred. The students had no idea that Ralph was in the military and he made a lasting impression on them that day. He instilled upon the young students a love of country. What a wonderful man he was. He will be missed.
Ted & Judy Bertz

January 2, 2018

Rob and Diane Gourley

Ralph was an elegant gentleman- our thoughts are with his family at this time!
He will be missed!
Diane and Rob Gourley

January 2, 2018

Phil and Shari Slight

We met Rafael when he became a member of the Durham Lions Club. While a member, he was very involved and was an asset to the club. He always had a smile on his face and it was a privilege to have known him. Our deepest symphony to the family. Please take comfort in knowing that he had touched so many lives and he will be missed.

January 1, 2018

Kim Frazier-Oros

To the Family of Mr. Garcia
Mr. Garcia is one of those teachers that will always be remembered . He was truly a sweet man and an understanding teacher... My deepest Condolences .

January 1, 2018

To the family of Mr. Garcia,
yes, I was probably one of those students that thought you were lucky to have Mr. Garcia as a teacher! While he was a kind and smart teacher, he wasn't a push-over. He was appreciated for treating kids in a professional but friendly manner. Loved to always catch up with him at the Durham Fair.
May he rest in peace.
Wendy Pedersen-Manemeit

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

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Memorial Events
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Jan

6

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m.

St. Margaret Church

Academy St., Madison, CT

Jan

6

Burial

West Cemetery

CT

Funeral services provided by:

Swan Funeral Home

825 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT 06443

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