David was born in Malaga, California, to his parents, Catarino and Juana Garcia, one of ten children raised in Stockton, California. At eleven, during the summer of 1936, David met the greatest love of his life, Celia Herrera. They were mirthfully wedded in the spring of 1943, and married for 80 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents and eight siblings, Steven Garcia, Julian Garcia, Henry Garcia, Albert Garcia, Mary Lee, Margaret Alanez, Johnny and Jesse Rivera. Survived by his loving wife Celia, daughters Irene Flores, Helen Donovan, and son Marc Garcia. He also leaves behind his brother Danny Rivera, eight grandchildren, Celia Pinasco, Raquel Del Rio, Hollis Flores, Marc Garcia, Anthony Flores, Stefanie Flores, Renee Garcia, and David Garcia, eleven great-grandchildren, Mia Del Rio, Natalie Pinasco, Alex Pinasco, Gabriel Del Rio, Star Garcia, Quinn Flores, Nathan Flores, Jason Flores, Robert Flores, Zeke Garcia, Paige Flores, and son-in-law Anthony Flores.
David is a veteran of WWII. He served honorably in the United States Navy as a Machinist Mate onboard the USS Indiana, a South Dakota-class fast battleship. He engaged in the battles of Tarawa, Kwajalein, the Philippine Sea, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and operation Forager. His emprises in the Navy played a vital role in his life. He often mentioned that the Navy taught him discipline and the value of completing a job correctly.
He was a terrific father and teacher with great mechanical aptitude and problem solving skills. He enjoyed working with various tools, welding, repairing automobiles, and golf. His first job as a small child was selling 3 cent newspapers on the corner of downtown Market Street. Employed at the California utility Pacific Gas and Electric as a lead gas corrosion mechanic, he retired after 41 years.
David loved traveling by automobile, motorhome, commercial aircraft, or cruise ship. He enjoyed scenic excursions to Big Sur and Yosemite National Park. David cherished traveling with good friends Robert and Jesse Munoz to Hawaii, Las Vegas, Mazatlan, and the 1962 Seattle World Fair. He also experienced several expeditions to the Amazon rainforest, Australia, Italy, and New Guinea.
A special thank you to Ruth Dominguz, Jacklyn Alveraz, and Monica Canpos, our devoted caregivers. David enjoyed an abundant and extraordinary life. He will be in our hearts for eternity.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.0