Hector Garcia

Hector Garcia died peacefully at his home on January 5, 2016 in San Mateo, CA at the age of 84. He was born on February 23, 1931 in San Francisco, CA to Julius and Ernestine Garcia. He married Gloria Shaffer, his high school sweetheart in 1948 and together they raised three daughters. Hector was a San Francisco Firefighter for 25 years and retired as a Chief's Operator. He loved his profession and enjoyed telling stories of his time at the firehouse, Engine 16, and the camaraderie of his fellow firefighters. He was a kind and generous man always willing to lend a helping hand. His children have comfort in knowing that he is reunited with their Mother. Survived by 3 daughters: Maureen Cunningham, Linda Knutson (Dick Van Rooy), and Gloria DeAlba (Ken); 5 grandchildren: Audrey Garcia (David), Jaime Odell (Jeff), Ross DeAlba (Jerrica Castagno), Matthew DeAlba (Lindsay James) and Chase DeAlba; 4 great-grandchildren: Frankie and Monica Odell, and Kylie and Madison Garcia. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Gloria; sister Anna Stivala and brothers Julius, John and George. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 15, 2016 at All Saints Chapel & Mausoleum at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Colma, CA. Inurnment at Holy Cross. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the San Francisco Firefighters Toy Program, www.sffirefighterstoys.org or to a charity of your choice.