A final toast to Joe Banana, Papa Joe, Dad. Joseph Peter Garcia passed away the morning of Jan. 9. He was 78 years old. Born on May 13, 1944, in San Francisco. He called Novato, CA home for 59 years. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Claudia Garcia (née Studley), five children Troy Garcia, Donna Long, Kelly Schielke, Jolene Garcia and Joshua Garcia. He loved and was loved by 9 grandchildren.
A glazier by trade, he owned Winter’s Glass on Redwood Blvd for 23 years. While he repaired homes, cars and businesses daily for the people of Marin County, his true talent was in stained glass and sandblasted artwork.
He was bigger than life. A supreme storyteller and an even better joke-teller. He could have an entire room of friends and foes rolling in laughter in a matter of minutes. Loved by many and disliked by a few (the authentic ones always do). A true character; and in a world full of boring he was like a pocketful of stars.
He loved big and without hesitation. His office walls were covered with pictures of the people he held near and dear… family and friends were his absolute. Fiercely protective, he cared beyond measure. If you were blessed to be in his circle you never doubted his love or left hungry.
“I love my wife, my life and my fork and knife.” ~ Joseph P. Garcia
A service will be held at Lighthouse Church in Novato on March 4, at 2 p.m.
(To place an obituary in Marinscope Community Newspapers, please contact Publisher Sherman R. Frederick via email at shermfrederick@gmail.com.)
Thanks for the beautiful story about Loe Garcia ! He was my close friend since Kindergarten and always was loved by everyone who knew him! I was glad that he came to my house to visit and was always a good friend.
He only regret is that he didn’t get the recognition that he deserved for his popularity and sense of humor.
Tony, Joe was my cousin….always loved his kindness and personality. We had fun joking with each other at Sequoia.
I went met Joe at Sequoia High School Class of ’62. We were paired up to box at one of the training sessions in the gym by Joe Marvin and Bob Whitmore. He had long arms and could send a bell ringing punch for quite a distance. He was a fun guy with a great sense of humor. Rest in Peace my friend.
Gil DeVincenzi
Go Cherokees! ’62
Agree he was a great guy!
My heartfelt condolences to all. Joe is bar known the best guy ever! I have so many fond memories that I will cherish forever – many great conversations and good laughs!
God Bless
Jeannie