Joseph Garcia, 82, of Celina, OH died 11:10 p.m. Saturday March 23, 2019 at JTDM Hospital in St. Marys, OH.
He was born June 15, 1936 in Selma, CA to Jose and Elena (Cardinas) Garcia.
On April 27, 1954 in Fresno, CA he married Virginia T. Ramirez, who survives.
Also survived by: daughter Mary Ann Davis of Annapolis, MD
son Peter (Julie) Garcia of Albuquerque, NM
daughter Christine (Richard) Kelemen of Watervliet, MI
numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren
sister Gloria Garcia of Sacramento, CA
brother Philip Ortega of CO
sister Elira Perez of Fresno, CA
numerous nieces and nephews
Preceded in death by: parents Jose and Elena Garcia; son Joseph Garcia, Jr.; son Steven Garcia; son Daniel R. Garcia; brother Manuel Garcia; half-brother Peter Ortega; half-brother Michael Ortega; half-sister Mary Ortega
Mr. Garcia worked as a bus driver for Fresno Public Transit for many years. Prior to that, he worked as a butcher.
Joseph enjoyed deep-sea fishing and smoking fine cigars. His skills as a professional driver earned him the respect of his riders and numerous awards at bus rodeos. He also took great pleasure from his pet cockatiel, "Maxx", and spent countless hours teaching his winged friend to to be fluent in both English and Spanish.
Private family services will be held.
Condolences may be expressed to his family via: www.millerfuneralhomes.net
Arrangements are entrusted to the Miller Funeral Homes in St. Marys, OH.