Jose Dolores Garcia

Jose Dolores Garcia was a man of resilience, love, and unwavering dedication—to his family, his country, and the life he built. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara, with whom he shared 65 years of love and 57 years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with devotion, raising their two sons, Michael (wife Stacy) and David (wife Melissa), and later welcoming seven cherished grandchildren: Harrison, Ari, Asher, Jesse, Sam, Layla, and Harlow.

Born on October 21, 1942, in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, to Dolores Garcia Morales and Marcolina Garcia Rivera, Jose embarked on a journey that defined the true essence of the American Dream. At just 12 years old, he moved to the United States with his older sister, not knowing a word of English but determined to carve out a better future. That determination shaped his life, carrying him through every challenge with strength and perseverance.

Jose proudly served in the United States Army as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division—The Screaming Eagles—serving on active duty during the Vietnam War and then in the reserves, dedicating a total of six years to his country from 1963 to 1969. Service wasn’t just a duty for him; it was a rite of passage, a commitment he embraced with honor. Throughout that time, he and Barbara exchanged letters, with Jose promising to return and build a life with her. True to his word, after returning home from home from Vietnam, their love flourished into a beautiful marriage on August 20, 1967 that stood the test of time. Together, they raised their two sons, Michael and David, who were both born in the Bronx before the family settled in their home in Spring Valley.

Jose’s career path led him to the School of Aeronautics, where his passion for mechanics took flight. He became a skilled heavy machinery mechanic, working primarily on forklifts. He spent the majority of his career at a small business in Queens called Acculift, where he serviced forklifts throughout the five boroughs.

His love for aviation was unmatched. Weekends often found him on the porch with a pair of binoculars, watching planes soar overhead. Whether it was the small airport in Nanuet that existed before Costco and Lowe’s were built, his special spot by LaGuardia Airport where planes came in for a landing just 100 feet above, or constructing airplane models and Legos, aviation remained a passion throughout his life.

Jose had a way of teaching life lessons in the simplest of moments—whether it was building a chicken coop, raising the sukkah, working on cars, painting the house, mowing the lawn, building a deck, chopping down a tree, planting a garden, cooking, or helping his grandchildren with Spanish homework. He took pride in everything he touched, and above all, in the accomplishments of his family, always encouraging them to strive for more.

Jose Dolores Garcia’s legacy lives on in the love he gave, the sacrifices he made, and the life experiences that he created and shared with his family that will be passed down for generations. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, a caring brother, a warm-hearted uncle, a cherished cousin, a dedicated soldier, a skilled mechanic, and a dreamer. But above all, he was ours.

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 14, 2025 at 1:30 PM at Hellman Memorial Chapels, 15 State Street, Spring Valley, NY 10977. Interment will follow at Frederick Loescher Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 220 Brick Church Rd, Spring Valley, NY 10977.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hellman Memorial Chapels 15 State Street, Spring Valley, NY 10977 (845)356-8600 Jewish Funeral Directors.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hellmanmemorial.com for the Garcia family.