OBITUARY
Rafael Antonio Garcia
October 25, 1961 – February 19, 2021
Rafael Antonio Garcia died peacefully at home on Friday, February 19, 2021, surrounded by friends and family. Born in San Salvador, El Salvador on October 25, 1961 to Dr. Antonio and Martha Garcia, he was the third oldest of nine children and first-born son.
Rafael and his family came to the United States in 1969. The family first moved to Colorado, and then to San Antonio and Austin before calling Houston home in 1973. A graduate of Sharpstown High School (class of 1979, where he said he “hung with the party crowd and the smart crowd”), Rafael later studied at the University of Houston (U of H) with a focus in computer science. While studying at U of H, Rafael began working for Transamerica Tax Service and quickly learned the real estate and tax industries. This was a career path that he followed for the rest of his life. For the past two decades, he was a devoted employee of National TaxNet and served as Branch Manager for many years.
Rafael was a bigger-than-life personality. He will be remembered as a pillar of his family, taking a seat at the table every Sunday in his parents’ home for family lunch. Enjoying a meal with loved ones enriched his body and his soul. Rafael’s musical interests spanned all genres, including classic country, rock and roll, or all of the hit makers of the 1970s, like Elton John and Queen. In fact, Rafael could often be found at a concert nearly any night of the week (last minute tickets were often the best tickets). If not at a concert, Rafael could surely be found at a sporting event, but most especially cheering on his beloved team, the Houston Astros. Rafael was a fan of the Astros dating back to the 1970s, supporting the team through decades of ups and downs. He celebrated wholeheartedly when they became World Series Champions in 2017. Additionally, Rafael loved to travel, visiting countries around the world and often spending time with family in El Salvador and San Francisco, CA. He was also a long-time member of St. Albert of Trapani Catholic Church, where he regularly volunteered. As he summarized in his own words on a brick outside of Minute Maid Park, his life loves included: “family, friends, food, women, music, [and the] Astros.”
In addition to his parents, Rafael is survived by his sisters, Elizabeth Garcia, Martha Moon, Patricia Gassmann, Laura Manske, and Eva Imperial; as well as brothers, Hugo Garcia and Eric Garcia. He is also survived by fourteen nieces and nephews who he adored: Candace Garcia, Allison and Jacob Gassmann, Carter, Andrew, and Christopher Moon, Reed and Sarah Manske, Marisa and Ethan Garcia, and Olivia, Mia, Sabrina and Nicolas Imperial; loving in-laws: Dean Moon, Dwayne Gassmann, Craig Manske, Sidney Imperial, Kimberly Garcia, and Laura Achenbaum; as well as extended family members. He is also survived by innumerable friends (many of his friendships were life-long), especially: Bryan Underwood, Kim and Tom Mullins, Jeff Hennis, Margaret Williams, and Daniel Lasof. He is preceded in death by his oldest sister, Ana Cecilia Garcia; his uncles: Mario Valencia, Israel Garcia, Mauricio Valencia, and Narciso Valencia; cousin, Carlos Valencia; dear friend, Stephanie London; and his grandparents, Felicito and Mercedes Garcia and Alfonso Rico and Aminta Valencia. Rafael’s absence will leave so many of us with gaping holes in our hearts; he will never be forgotten.
A mass will be held on Friday, March 5, 2021, at 12:00 PM at St. Albert of Trapani Catholic Church at 11027 S. Gessner Road. Viewing at 11:30 AM. A private burial service will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sunshine Kids Foundation at https://www.sunshinekids.org/donate.html or by mail to 2814 Virginia Street, Houston, TX 77098.
Services
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Funeral Service
Friday, March 5, 2021
Memories
Rafael Antonio Garcia
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYAminta Lobo
March 5, 2021
Rafael, siempre vivirás en nuestros corazones, y Jehova te guarde en el Libro de vida, y nos permita volver a vernos, no es un adiós, es un hasta pronto......su misericordia es para siempre. Te amamos primo..,.
Lydia Wilson
March 5, 2021
My prayers are with you always
Stacie DuFour
March 5, 2021
To the Garcia Family,
I don’t have to tell you how wonderful he was. So I will say thank you for helping him be the man he was. He will always hold a special place in my heart!
LETHA HALL
March 5, 2021
MY SINCERE AND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE GARCIA FAMILY. MAY GOD COMFORT AND STRENGTHEN YOU DURING THIS TIME OF BEREAVEMENT. I WORKED WITH RAFAEL FOR ABOUT 20 YEARS AT NATIONAL TAXNET IN IRVING.
Angie Mercado-Garcia
March 5, 2021
My deepest condolences to the Garcia family. Rafael was a wonderful, kind and compassionate person. He will always be near and dear to my heart. Rest in peace, Rafael.
Jim Lamanna
March 4, 2021
I cannot pick just one memory, for there are many, many fond ones. I will cherish every single one. I thank you Rafael for sharing your smile, your humor, and your presence with me. I will always look up and smile when I think of you Sir. Shine on.
Jan Farkas-Thompson
March 4, 2021
Rafael was a special friend. He came to the Cy-Fair tax office and l always enjoyed his visit. He was like another son to me always so friendly and kind. Although l moved from Houston l got to see him 10 yrs ago and was so excited that he came to a special dinner where he met my new husband. Rafael bought my home when l moved to Georgia. That was a blessing.
If he could have been one of my sons, l couldn’t have been more proud of him.
Only wish l could have seen him once more before the angels took him home.
I know his family will miss him and his sister and Uncle who were tragic victim s of COVID. God bless you.
Lynn Foyt
March 4, 2021
RIP Rafael
I was working at the Lamar consolidated tax office, it was busy so must of been the beginning of the year 1989, I was getting ready to go to lunch and in walk this tall, dark handsome man into my tax office. We were introduced and our eyes met and it was like we just knew each other. I couldn’t wait each day for him to show up, we would talk about music and everything else you could talk about. I remember getting a call from him when Stevie ray vaughn died and he was crying, he was such a great man. I loved him almost from day 1 and he would do anything in his power to help a friend. First time he came to my apt and had to use restroom when he left I noticed he had put the seat down, hahaha, it’s the small things, he said it come from being raised by all his sisters.
Last year when I brought him from his sisters back to his house I truly did not think that would be the last time I saw him. We would talk and text during The Masked Singer, Astros game’s and talk about the damn COVID. It was a really hard year on the Garcia family and I know for many others.
When he told me he lost his voice I had asked if he wanted me to bring a dry erase board and another face to look at ... he never told me how sick he was and I wondered why he didn’t want me to come.
Anyway so much for rambling cause I could go on and on. There’s a definite loss that was felt by many when this man passed and a void that can’t be filled. Who will I ever ask the lyrics of a forgotten song too now? I’ll see you when I get there Bud, save me a spot❣️I love you always❣️
doug lancia
February 25, 2021
A good man and a really nice guy. You my friend have caused a void in this world with your passing. Always a smile and always something good to say. Thank you again for the shot glasses they will always bring me a memory of you. At least now you can say you have front row seats to all Astro and concerts you want to see. Miss you buddy.
Carole Lasof
February 24, 2021
Deep condolences to the Garcia family
Rosa Richards
February 24, 2021
To Rafael’s Family:
I have only known Rafael through our professional relationship well over 10 years and knowing of his passing has left a hole in my heart. Rafael was always kind, patient, exceptionally gifted in his trade and always willing to take the time to share his expertise in such an humble way he always made me feel special.
May his memory live on in your hearts as he will always live on in mine. Take comfort in knowing God has made him an angel to watch over us.
Thinking of you during this difficult time, I hope you know how much Rafael was respected and loved. God bless you all. Thank you for sharing this wonderful human being with us.