Joseph (Joe) Garcia, of Newcastle, son of Irma and Fidel Garcia, passed away after a short illness on Aug. 27 at Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick. Joe was born in New York City, N.Y., on March 25, 1934 and resided with his wife Lil in Connecticut until they both retired to Maine in 2000.
Joe served in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. Upon his honorable discharge, he married his wife Lil in 1958. He received his bachelor’s degree from American International College and went on to receive his master’s and Ph.D from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Joe started his career as head of the patent department at T. Sendzimir Co., and was a manager and later a director of corporate technical activities at Combustion Engineering before returning to Rensselaer to teach at its graduate school in Hartford, Conn. He retired 20 years later, as the chairman of operations, which includes mathematics, statistics and calculus. In 2006 he went to work part time as an adjunct math and statistics instructor at Southern Maine Community College. Joe always rejoiced in seeing people succeed through their education.
He also served the town of Newcastle as a member of the comprehensive planning committee, and the finance committee.
Joe loved to work in his woodshop, and enjoyed going up and down the Damariscotta River with Lil, in what he called his 13-foot “yacht.” Listening to the amazing voice of Maria Callas was one of his great joys. He was a devoted supporter of Shapers Fitness Gym and all its wonderful members. He delighted in seeing the gym succeed, and worked tirelessly to that end.
He was predeceased by his loving sister, Elsa; and brothers, Angus, Barney and Gerald.
Joe leaves behind his loving wife of 56 years, Lil; devoted sons, Erik and Greg, of whom he was immensely proud; Erik’s wife, Carol; grandchildren, David, Emily, Jay and Lila; Jay and Lila’s mother, Krista; brother, Rafy and wife Sonia; sister, Roxana; brother-in-law, Arthur and partner Ruth; sisters-in-law, Millie and Barbara; and Millie’s husband John; brother-in-law, Ronnie; sister-in-law, Evelyn; many nieces and nephews; good friend, Scott; and wonderful dog, Webster.
Joe always said he was the luckiest man alive. He planted the love and laughter, which will forever grow in his family.
Please join the family in celebrating Joe’s life from 3-5 p.m., Sat., Sept. 5 at the Skidompha Library in Damariscotta. Joe’s favorite charity was the Salvation Army if you wish to make a donation. Being a lover of books, especially by author Clive Cussler, a donation to Skidompha Library would have also made him very happy.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
