Obituaries

Richard Joseph Garcia Jr (Rick), 58 years old, resident of Union City, was called home to the Lord on Saturday, October 22, 2016. Born in Oakland on January 6, 1958, Rick lived an active life in his youth in the Pleasanton/Livermore area, graduating from Amador High, participating in 4-H events, and boxing and winning the Golden Gloves championship in 1976. After a few years in the family business, Rick started his apprenticeship for Sprinkler Fitters Local 483 employed first with Allan Automatic and then Superior Automatic from which he retired after working over 25 years in the Fire Sprinkler trade.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sue Garcia; his devoted children, Selina and Sophia Tellez and Andy and Victor Garcia, his brothers and sisters, Tim, Chris, Ron and Paul Garcia, and Bobbi and Mary Garcia; and numerous extended family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother Tony, who he had missed terribly since his demise in 2009.

Rick was a man whose selfless manner was demonstrated over and over again whether he was shopping for Christmas for his children, volunteering to act as Equipment Manager for UC PAL Football, picking up the food for the Friday Night Dinners at the Parish Hall, or just helping out at Our Lady of the Rosary School. Rick was there whenever you needed him. All you had to do was just ask.

Rick was a sports enthusiast who was very specific in his devotion- Dale Earnhardt, and the San Francisco Giants, even when they were not winning and Rick was cursing up a storm. He was still a loyal fan waiting for another World Series. A handyman who could always “MacGyver it” Rick always had an old vehicle waiting in the driveway to be revived. He loved car shows and had dreams to one day drive his refurbished antique vehicle to Hot August Nights. Sadly, it was not meant to be.

Rick’s ever-present sense of humor was another quality that we all loved. Memories of end of the season sports’ banquets, Rick trying to ride a motorized scooter and falling, joking with the boys’ friends, making strangers laugh at his “psycho ceramic” joke (you are a crack pot) he was one who always tried to make you smile – and you did.

Rick was happiest when his four children came together at the dinner table, talking about their day’s events, remembering a shared memory, and just being there with each other.

Many who speak of Rick talk about him being so very kind, a wonderful friend, a gentle teddy bear. He surprised many with his stern and imposing exterior. Inside, Rick was a softy who when you got to know him, you knew that you were standing in front of a man who was so much more. Rick was a great listener, a compassionate loving soul whose emotions and love for his family flowed from an endless well.

We will miss his presence and his love in our lives.

Vigil and Rosary will be held on Thursday, October 27th, 6:30pm at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 703 C St., Union City, CA 94587. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 28th, 10am at the church. Inurnment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma, CA.