Dr. Jay J. Garcia

Garcia, Dr. Jay J., 73, of Tampa, FL, passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2019, just one day shy of his 74th birthday. Jay was born in Havana, Cuba to parents, Rosa and Jose Garcia. When Jay was 14, they moved to the United States where they lived in Pompano Beach, Florida. He graduated from Pompano Beach High School, and was then humbled to receive the very first athletic scholarship to the University of South Florida for baseball. Jay later went on to earn his M.D. from Temple University. After marrying the love of his life, Loraine, they started a family and he began his private practice. Dr. Garcia went on to become CEO of one of the largest medical groups in the Tampa Bay area. He also co-founded the Tampa Bay Women's group, one of the largest coalitions of Ob-Gyn groups in Tampa Bay. Dr. Garcia was an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of South Florida Medical School, where he was involved in the surgical training of residents. He also received advanced training in laparoscopic surgery and provided training to physicians in these advanced techniques. Dr. Garcia was known by many in the community as a wonderful doctor, helping women generation after generation for over 45 years. Jay took great pride in his health by working out, enjoyed watching football, and playing golf. Jay also enjoyed a good martini while watching the sunset at the beach. He was a proud grandpa and loved spoiling his grandchildren. Above all, his family came first.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Rosa and Jose Garcia. Jay is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Loraine; son, Michael Garcia and his wife Virginia; daughter, Joanna Garcia Swisher and her husband Nick; grandchildren, Andrew Garcia, Gabrielle Garcia, Emerson Swisher, Sailor Swisher, and Sebastian Garcia; sister, Maria Soltesz; nieces, Rosie Zingarella and Mary Soltesz.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you make a donation in Jay’s memory to the Jose Garcia and Family Scholarship Fund (#656002), payable to the USF Foundation, and directed to the attention of Beth Corbin in the Office of Donor Relations at 4202 East Fowler Avenue, ALC100, Tampa, FL 33620-5455. https://giving.usf.edu/online/ or Metropolitan Ministries, www.metromin.org

A visitation will take place from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at Blount and Curry located at 3207 W. Bearss Ave. Tampa, FL. 33618. A funeral mass will take place on at 3pm on Friday, November 15, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church 15520 N. Blvd. Tampa, FL. 33613. A reception will follow the mass at 4:30 pm at the Avila Country Club 943 Guisando de Avila, Tampa, FL 33548