Jose Marcelino Garcia, Sr.

1938 - 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our cherished patriarch, Jose (Joe) Marcelino Garcia Sr., who passed on May 6, 2025 at the age of 86.

A true Lompoc native, Joe was born on June 3, 1938 to Jesus and Juana Garcia. The eleventh of twelve children, he always valued the importance of family and took pride in the accomplishments of everyone, no matter how small they might have seemed. You could always count on him to share stories of the times he shared with his brothers and sisters, which were some of his most cherished memories.

As a child, Joe attended local schools and was a proud Lompoc High graduate. He could regularly be found in the crowd supporting Lompoc High athletics, especially his beloved Braves soccer teams. Always one to stress the importance of education, Joe received an Associate's Degree from Allan Hancock College. During his younger years, he served in the US Air Force, something he was incredibly proud of. He later worked on Vandenberg Air Force Base in transportation, until he eventually retired. Joe was not one to idly sit back and do nothing, though; upon retiring from his civil service position, he worked part-time for Lompoc Unified School District as a custodian. 

Joe was a devoted father, raising four children in Lompoc - Richard, Patricia, Suzann, and Jose Jr. (Pepper). He was his children's biggest supporter, always encouraging them to work hard and strive to be the best people they could be. As his children began having children of their own, Joe made sure his grandchildren and great grandchildren always received the same type of affirmations and support. From tandem bike rides to Wednesday lunch dates, Joe's love for his family was palpable.

One of his proudest accomplishments was coaching youth soccer, a role he first took on when his youngest was five. He would go on to coach all of his grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who played the sport. Even when he didn't have a family member playing, his love of the game kept him coaching. Joe avidly coached youth soccer in Lompoc in a career that spanned over 40 years. He had immense pride in watching his athletes not only grow to love the sport, but take the lessons they learned from soccer and apply them to life.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Mary, Leon, Barney, Gil, Jess, Nellie, Rose, and Mike. He is survived by his siblings Helen, Jennie, and Frank; children Richard, Patricia (Anthony), Suzann (Robert), and Pepper; grandchildren Kristen (Cordero), Thomas, Samantha (Ryan), Danielle, Jericha, Savannah, Noah (Annie), and Julia; great grandchildren Kaden, Romeo, Benji, Sophia, Dominic, and Tommy; and countless nieces and nephews.

Following a private burial, on May 28, 2025 we invite you to join us at noon at the Veterans' Memorial Building in Lompoc for a celebration of his amazing life.