Charles Martin Garcia

Charles “Charlie” Martin Garcia was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. He was such an inspiration for the many people he graced his presence with. His smile and laughter would shine in any room, being such a positive light for his family and friends. Charlie attended St. Lawrence Catholic School, where he had the blessing of meeting some of his greatest, lifelong friends. Making friends with others was never a struggle for Charlie, given his witty and corky personality. One of his biggest loves in life was baseball. Charlie spent endless nights and weekends on the diamond playing the sport he loved, striving to be the best, with the help and guidance of his father, who also shared the same love in baseball. Some of his best memories were shared with his teammates at Wellswood Baseball in West Tampa. Charlie attended Tampa Catholic High School (Class of 2006), where he was given his forever nickname, “Chuck”. Popping his collar and dancing throughout those 4 years of school, Charlie surely made an impact in the “TC family”. He was such a bright and unique person in his own ways. He was just a genuinely happy soul, full of life, with so much love to give. He attended St. Leo University, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. His family was so sure Charlie was a star and always continued to motivate him, especially during trying times. Shortly after his college days, Charlie made the decision to pursue a career in entertainment as an actor. Started off small by attending local acting classes at USF to then being a part of Performers Studio Workshop and Andi Matheny Acting Studios, where he soon was able to have his own agent. Some of Charlie’s greatest accomplishments included being featured in Publix’s and Harold Seltzer’s Steakhouse commercials, landing his infamous line, “Who does that!?” He also was featured in the Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF), one of Tampa Bay’s largest independent film festivals; where he played the leading role in “American Hostage”, as well as other independent films. There was no doubt that Charlie was destined for greatness, with the help and massive support from his family, friends, and fellow actors. In 2016, he made the ultimate life-changing decision to move to Miami to continue to chase his dreams. It was at this time where Charlie learned that God didn’t have the same plan that longed in his heart. He was able to move back to Tampa, where he was actively engaged in his father’s business, “Charlie’s Tile & Marble Inc.” In his last years, Charlie’s center focus was his faith and his family. He strongly yearned for always taking care of his mother, father, sister, and brother, with the power and will of his Lord. One of his strongest commitments and driving forces in life was his family. He was a mentor and best friend for his younger brother, Sammy, as well as a protector and the voice of reasoning for his younger sister, Alyssa. He strived to never disappoint his mother and father, for they were his biggest inspiration in his life. Their hearts will forever be broken over the loss of Charlie. They find peace and comfort knowing that he is finally free with his Savior in Heaven. He will forever be remembered for his heart of gold, his contagious smile, his creativeness, and his uncanny ability to touch the lives of many. Beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend, coworker, baseball player, actor…Charlie will be deeply missed by ALL!

Charles is survived by his father, Lazaro Charlie Garcia, mother, Aileen Garcia, brother and sister, Sammy Garcia and Alyssa Garcia, grandparents, Elsa DeArmas, Horacio DeArmas, Martin Garcia, and Nieves Garcia, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins left behind in sorrow.

His family would like to extend an invitation to family, friends, and all who were touched by Charlie’s grace in a celebration of his life. A memorial gathering with his family will be on Saturday, November 17th, 2018 at 10:30 am, followed by a funeral mass at 11:30 am at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 5225 N. Himes Ave., Tampa, FL 33614. We will conclude his services with a balloon release after mass to say our final goodbyes to Charlie.

In lieu of flowers, donations are accepted to GoFundMe for Charles Martin Garcia Memorial Fund.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Gonzalez Funeral Home, 7209 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33614, ph. 813-931-1833. www.GonzalezFuneral.com