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David Garcia Obituary
David Garcia was a man who could make things work, albeit in the most unusual ways. Once, he patched up a pair of run- down work boots by gluing pieces of tire to the soles. And when the floor on his future wife's Chevy Malibu rusted out, he retrieved his tin sandbox and welded it to the bottom.
But Mr. Garcia could not fix his eyesight, which began deteriorating when he was 10 years old and had, by the age of 40, left him with 20 percent of his vision.
So he found ways to compensate for the independence he lost along with his view of the world, said Deborah A. Garcia, his wife.
A computer programmer, Mr. Garcia began working on a contract basis, most recently for Marsh & McLennan. He had enough vision left that he could still go boating, his family said.
Mr. Garcia's older son, Davin, 8, had his own boat: a remote control toy that broke last summer. After Sept. 11, Mrs. Garcia discovered it in the basement. "It was all put back together," she said. "He fixed it the night before this happened."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cindy Roe
September 14, 2021
Remembering David on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
September 16, 2019
Remembering your loved one today and always.
Alex
Kelvin Lastique
September 11, 2019
always remember your smile
Benjamin James
September 10, 2018
David and I worked for years at GHI in New York we were both in the IT department.
David taught me a new computer language and how to use it. I will always remember him as a very giving person.
They say that men marry women who can take over the training their mother started.
I would really like to hear from Deborah his former wife. I never got to thank her for helping make David the great guy and friend he was.
If you get this message Deborah or Richard
please contact me
Benjamin James 646-565-0366
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Debbie Feeks
September 11, 2016
Hi David - I never knew you personally but would see you each morning waiting on the train platform waiting for the train. You always said hello with a big smile. I didn't know you worked in the WTC so when your missing poster showed up I can only say I was devastated. It was only about a week after 9/11 that I found out this news. On another anniversary, I can only say that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I know you are up there looking down on your family and I am certain you give them the strength to go on every day. Thoughts of you on this 15 year anniversary, Debbie
J G
September 11, 2015
Your spirit flows today Dave
September 9, 2015
The Garcia boys are in college and doing well, as is Debbie his wife. I will pass on the message.
September 8, 2015
I am trying to reach David Garcia's wife and sons to find out how they are to tell them that Central Michigan University named a disability awareness (education) program "The David Garcia Project" after their father and husband back in 2002, with the family's permission. This was part of an original campaign by some legislators who wanted service projects around the country to name a day of service after loved ones who perished in 9/11. In our case, we had a disability awareness program that was coming to fruition and we thought it would be important to name it in David Garcia's memory. We communicated with his wife and family in the early days but have lost touch and the program is now 13 years old and enjoying continued success in reaching out to college students to help them better understand what it might be like to live with a disability. If someone could help us connect, we'd love to hear from his family that the little boys have grown into young men and that all is well. Thank you and we'll be thinking of David Garcia on Friday, the anniversary of 9/11.
Jeff DeLotto
August 23, 2015
Took me far too long to post. Hope I can contact his loved ones.
Jeff DeLotto
August 23, 2015
I remember growing up in Wappingers Falls one day, I was stuck in a tree. He gallantly jumped over the fence between yards, and got me down from the tree before my mother came outside to see what was wrong. I used to see him riding around on the motor bikes, although he was a little bit older he definitely saved me on that day I as stuck. I'm happy to try and live up to his example. I will never forget him as a neighbor. I knew him only as a child, as my family moved to central Pennsylvania, to be close to PSU and my mother's side of the family, where I was born. But I have read the story of how great a person he was throughout his life. It has taken me too long, but I offer my sincere condolences, and hope that this contributes to the memory of how kind a person he was.
Joe Gallagher
March 26, 2014
A smile I will never forget. I went to Cortland State and was a Kappa fraternity brother with Dave. By far the coolest cat in the room. You can tell someone special when you meet them for the first time. He was that guy. I'm happy to be one of the lucky people who got to spend time with him. New World Man rest in peace, and bless his family.
Deborah Garcia
September 15, 2011
Dear...We are one soul. I Love you forever...your dear...
September 12, 2011
Dave Garcia was a great man. I had know him almost 25 yrs. We first met as freshman roomates when I was 17 at SUNY Cortland and had been friends, roomates, and housemates ever since then. He was a mechanical genious. When going to visit his parents for a vacation from Cortland, our car ride was disabled but Dave managed to fix it by using a coffee can, a hanger and other things he could find. He always helped me fix my stereo, car, computer or anything else. He listened to great music and even built his own stereo and speakers. He was a great teacher with patience. After college we were again roomates in N.Y. before he and Debbie got married. When my car was broke, he left me a detailed diagram on how to fix my car's water pump. He was a man challenged by his vision but had a great attitude toward life. Dave, Debbie, Davin, and Dillon traveled from N.Y to be in my wedding and his son Davin was a ringbearer. I have many memories of Dave and still think about him every day. I miss talking to him. He was a true friend.
Tim McCool
September 11, 2011
I'm glad my bro's pointed me to this page. Today's ceremonies and remembrances made me aware of how raw the emotions about ten years ago are for me - and a big part of that is missing Dave, and how I feel for Deb and the boys. Her video was special, and Dave loves it I'm sure. He was a very special man, one of the genuinely nicest people I have ever met, and one of the most talented. He did not let his physical situation limit him, or color his outlook on life. He really could fix anything, and it was never a surprise to come back to Kappa and see him with anything from a wrench to a welding torch in his hands (He was the New World Man for sure!). He is a role model worth emulating, and I'm sure Deb and Richard make sure the boys know how special their dad was. He is missed and not forgotten.
September 11, 2011
Dear Garcia Family,
My name is Debbie Delaney Tavarez. Dave was from the old neighborhood. I did not know him well....but I do remember him as a kind soul. I'm sure his family is just as lovely as him. Wishing you well.
September 11, 2011
Dave used to shave at night...
vicki fontano
September 11, 2011
I didnt know David but he has always remained in my heart. as well as his wife and 2 sons. Debbie, i want to thank you. i dont know if you remember but in November of 2001 at Christ Episcopal Church, you let your 2 amazing boys help bless my daughter during her Christening.they helped Father Walker with what he asked and I stood nearby and cried because i knew they didnt have their dad with them and yet where doing something for people they didnt know and i truly and deeply appreciated. they were so sweet and smiled thru it all. i know they didnt know what i knew about your pain and heartache. but i needed to thank you and the boys. after all these years....THANK YOU! i hope you are doing well, i know you had had many trials to endure and i hope you are content and happy. please know i think about the 3 of you very often. i hope your dad is doing well, Rich back then was always such a sweet man and we miss his conversations. we moved to Fl April of 2003. it pained us to leave the church but we needed to move from the pain that was all around. God Bless you, the boys and David. sincerely, Vicki Fontano
Tony Caruso
September 11, 2011
David Garcia's Family,
Hello, my name is Major Tony Caruso and I am in the USAF presently stationed at Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal. I grew up in Syracuse, NY and my family and friends still live there. On Friday, September 9th the base sponsored a 5K run in honor and memory of those who perished on that fateful day of September 11, 2001. I had the privilege to run my 5K in honor of David. Before the run each person that had registered was given a wrist band with the runners name and also a name of a person that had perished during 9-11. I do not know the exact number of people that participated in the 5K, but it was at least 500 base personnel and each one of us was running in memory of a specific name. As I ran up and down the hills wondering if I would make it to the end, I wanted to stop running and walk. I thought of the sacrifices everyone made but especially the name I had on my wrist. He gave me the strength to make it up the last long hill to the finish. I just wanted to write and let you know that David Garcia will never be forgotten and I am thankful to have run in memory and honor of him.
Respectfully,
ANTHONY D. CARUSO, Maj, USAF, BSC 65th Medical Support Squadron
Ed Vorbach
September 10, 2011
Just saw Deb's video - she had a picture of David in our Fraternity's composite - we did indeed call David the New World Man - coined by Brian one of his closest friends - we shortened it to NW then just N - an amazing guy David was of the finest kind. The smile in this picture was always on his face - he was a man without any malice - a totally genuine and kind soul.
Jeff DuMont
September 9, 2011
Many of us are known by a nickname as in the "Say Hey Kid" some of us are known by a single name as the "Babe" but there is only one man that I have ever known who was referred to by a single letter. David Garcia was known to many at Cortland State as "N". Short for "the New World Man". He was a man who could fix the impossible. I know I would not have gotten through a computer class without his help. I met David at Kappa, playing frisbee one sunny afternoon and it took some time before I realized he couldn't see the frisbee! That didn't keep him from enjoying himself however. I will always remember the fun we all had at Date Night at Kappa. He was fun, caring and genuine. I miss him on this earth. God Bless Debbie and the boys, you are always in my prayers. Rest in Peace my friend, my brother.
Brian Humphreys
September 2, 2011
David and I had adjoining rooms at Delta Kappa Beta Fraternity House in Cortland, N.Y. Without Dave's tireless efforts keeping our heating system working, we all would have frozen in the Winter of 1982. He was a great friend, a kind spirit, and a gifted and talented man. Truly one of a kind!
Jim, Lisa and James Davis
September 11, 2009
Debbie, Thank you for all that you did for our family and our thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys today.
Stephanie Garcia
May 21, 2007
Mr. Garcia,
Though I didnt know you, I was just browsing around to see how many people were victims of 911 with the same last name as myself..I just want you to know that you and your family are in my prayers, and that God has a plan for us all... He always takes the good people first..May God bless..and you will always be remembered.
Kristine
November 3, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
October 11, 2006
In memory....
Steve Miller
August 12, 2005
I used to see David all the time on the Freeport train to Penn Station. We used to say hello in passing, but really didn't converse. He had his train buddies and I had mine and we sat in different cars of the train.
I was at WTC that horrible day and nearly became a member of this list. I was one of the fortunate ones. I remember seeing his name in the paper as missing and prayed for his return.
9/11 had taken it's toll on me and I have moved away, but I still think of him and keep him and his family in my prayers.
Carolin Paidoussis
October 2, 2002
Deborah - I also had the pleasure of working with David at GHI a few years ago. My time there was very brief but over the course of those 4 months David and I came to be friends.
I actually wrote you a letter last September when I found out David was missing. I never mailed it. At the time I thought it might be too painful - it was painful for me to write. Now, I hope it will bring you comfort knowing that your husband touched so many lives - mine being one of them - in some very simple but profound ways.
I think of David often, every day on my way to work and every day on my way home as I pass the Freeport train station. Any time I have Thai food I remember David taking me to a restaurant in Manhattan near the GHI office - my first exposure to the food. That restaurant is still a favorite my husband and I go to anytime we are in the city. David and I had lunch there on my last day at GHI.
When I left GHI I moved downtown to 7WTC. David and I would keep in touch through email and he called me when he moved downtown. We tried a few times to get together for lunch but something always came up and one of us would have to cancel. It saddens me greatly that we never got a chance to do that.
The world is a sadder place without David in it. May he rest in peace.
Madeline Small
September 16, 2002
Debbie, I had the good fortune of working with your husband David here at GHI. What a wonderful human being, a kind gentleman. David had an unforgettable smile and unmatachable wit. He would always asks about my son, and I would ask about you and the kids. I remember once when I had a flood in my basement, he had many helpful suggestions for me. He was good at everything. What a smart man! I met him briefly on the streets in mid-town in early 2000, little did I know that it was the last time that I would ever see him. May God bless you and your kids and may David rest in peace.
Danielle Primiceri
September 11, 2002
Dave,
There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you. Everytime I catch the 5:38 train home, I remember seeing you waiting on the platform to go home too. You are one of the greatest people I have ever had the chance of knowing. Your smile always brightened the room and you always made the family holiday parties fun with your stories. To Debbie, Davin and Dylan...You are always in my prayers.
Jonathan Rausch
September 11, 2002
I am a high school student and my school is doing a week of remembrance. Each student at my school was given a name and we were to pray for that person and their families, and also just learn what our person was about. I think it is very encouraging that David Garcia continued to work at things even though his eye sight was going. Him and his familily will always be in my prayers, and also all the others involved in 9-11; including those who are just people of our nation, people who cant do anything to help, but feel the need to. Our nation, world, and universe will now and forever be in my prayers.
Michael Iezzi
April 29, 2002
Father we entrust our brother David to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
Ken Krol
April 13, 2002
I'll never forget David Garcia. What a wonderful man! Little League here in Freeport has began already, and Davin is again playing on our team. Debbie has always been a great help, and David..., well what can I say. His input and effort toward the team the last couple of years exceeded my own. He was a "gifted" instructor with the kids. I'll never forget the image I have of David jogging to the H.S. field, (just off the LIRR train from work) w/ a breifcase in one hand, and a baseball glove in the other, asking me, "What do you want me to do, Coach?" His genuine smile, and enthusiasm to help others will remain with me forever.
-Coach Ken
Deborah Garcia
April 10, 2002
David...Dear,
When I was 8 years old, I began to dream of you and see you when I looked up into the stars at night. I always knew you were looking up at the same stars and was anxious for the day we would meet. Once we were in the same place at the same time, it took only 3 weeks until you tapped me on the shoulder, a stranger, on the way home from class at SUNY Cortland. You have been the focus of my life, and object of my love and passion ever since that day.
We've had a Beautiful life together
and my soul is forever wounded from your absence.
Your boys, Davin and Dylan miss you horribly and Dylan speaks of you daily...I hope you can hear him. Dylan turned 5 four mos. ago and has grown much taller and wiser. Davin celebrated his 9th birthday on Monday. He's looking more like a man every day. The immensity of this tragedy will never fade in our hearts and minds. I wish for nothing more than another trip in your boat, gazing over at you at the helm as you happily navigate the choppy waters of the Hudson with the wind rushing through your hair and the boys bouncing at the the bow with great big smiles and laughter.
I Love You Eternally and will run to and re-join your beautiful warm soul when I arrive in Heaven. Please watch closely over us and guide us to a peacful life here until we can be together again...
...Your Wife, Deborah...Dear
Anja Bruegmann
April 6, 2002
I am David's cousin from Hamburg/Germany. Everytimne I visited my father in New Your, I met David, later on David and Debbie. I am very sad and will never forget David. My ´thougts are with Debbie and her kids, Mitzi and Stanley
Tomiko & Melvin West
March 30, 2002
In spite of being a computer genius and owning his own successful consulting business, David was a down to earth kind of person who loved his family, very kind and gentle to everyone. He was able to light up the whole world with his winning smile. We feel very lucky indeed and privileged to have known him since his birth on May 11th 1961.
David, You will always live in our hearts. Thank you for giving us so many fond memories while you were with us on this earth! We all miss you very much.
Mel& Tomiko Morimoto West
Carlo Cantarella
March 28, 2002
Dave and I have been friends since the third grade. It is difficult to find any aspect of my life in which Dave was not a part, and as much as it hurts to have had him taken so suddenly, I am comforted by the many memories we shared. Dave, I miss you, and think of you daily. You will always be a part of my life.
George & Celia Lang
March 25, 2002
We got to know Dave over the backyard fence in Freeport, and just want to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. I will be making a quilt square in Dave's memory to be a part of "The United in Memory Quilt Project". Your former neighbors.
Joyce and Sandy Balint
March 25, 2002
We were so happy to see you and Debbie so much in love. We
didn't see you as often as we wanted to, but we will always remember you in our hearts.
Christina Fasone
March 24, 2002
Even though it has been many years since my family has had any contact with the Garcia Family, we just want to let all of you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Al and Marie Birnstill
March 23, 2002
Our hearts are broken by the loss of David, a wonderful son, husband and father. David's parents have been our friends for many years and through our friendship, we have been able to go forward but will always remember the terrible day that David was taken from his family and friends. We can all be proud that he was part of our lives and his memory will always be special for his lovely wife and children. He will never be forgotten.
Ed Vorbach
March 23, 2002
I met Dave and then Debbie in college at our Fraternity DKB. I will always remember his easy going smile and laugh. Dave always seemed at ease with himself and others. He never failed to bring a smile to me and others around him. I don't think I can ever remember him in an off mood. He had a gentle way about him. His remarkable cleverness is another memory. In college we could barely afford the money or time to get anything done. We would go out for the weekend and come back to our house to find the entire 30 room house wired for cable! Dave would do something like that as an after thought. I also remember Dave and Debbie together in college when we all were so young. I know that they love eachother now as much as they did then. I am a better person for knowing him as are we all.
Stanley & Hiro Garcia
March 22, 2002
We miss you very much
The Philippi Family
March 22, 2002
Through his wonderful wife, Debbie, we got to know David and his children. Debbie was and is an important part of our son, Steven's life strugfgle, and we wish and hope and pray that David is in God's arms, watching over his family. Heaven gained a sweet angel on September 11, 2002.
Maura McElhone
March 9, 2002
I never met u- a friend of your wife's sent my dad an email, asking us to pray for u. Although we never met, I'm going to NYC this summer and when i see the site, you will be in my mind. You sounded like a great person and through your death, all who knew you lost a friend, but heaven gained an angel.
God Bless.
January 19, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS
BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN..MAY HE SEE GODS
LIGHT AND REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND
HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS BEAUTIFUL
FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..AMEN.
Rolanda Hannah
January 17, 2002
God Bless you. Thank you for the advice.
Kevin Blackmore
January 16, 2002
I miss you much.. You always had a way of lifting spirits. Thank you
Tom
January 9, 2002
Dave I will miss you greatly. Thanks for the lifetime of friendship and great times. Remember you were my partner in 4-wheeling!
Taylor Family Bear Springs Camp
January 5, 2002
Thanks for touching our lives on family vacations to Great Pond.
Put's a smile on our hearts that we got to meet David and his wonderful family. He will be in the memories of the Taylor's forever.
Yes he even drove the boat (when running) and got me up behind my boat for the first time on Great Pond. What a great moment!
In the Taylor's 35 years of going to Bear Springs Camp, we will never forget you and your family.
Thoughts and prayers with you all.
Gene, Melodie, George, Cathy, Rob, Deb, Steven, Zach, Ashley and Pop
Teresa Jahn
January 1, 2002
Such a warm, big and beaming smile of David in this picture surely is a reflection on his heart. We are deeply sorry for your loss of David. May his ability to fix things up, his life and love live on in those who love him. Our hearts cry with you in your loss of David.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
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