Alfred Noah "Al" Garcia Sr.

April 30, 1933 – July 31, 2025 **In Loving Memory of Alfred (Al) Noah Garcia Sr.** April 30,1933 – July 31, 2025 Alfred (Al) Noah Garcia Sr., formerly of Essexville, Michigan and Mesa, Arizona, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully at his home in Mesa, Arizona on July 31, at the age of 92 with his family by his side. Al was born on April 30, 1933 in San Antonio, Texas to the late Amador and Sarah Louise (Menchaca) Garcia. During his childhood, the Garcia family relocated to Essexville, Michigan, where they purchased a farm on Center Road. Together, the Garcias worked hard in the fields while attending school, a testament to their strong and close family bond. After graduating from Bay City Central in 1953, Al proudly joined the U.S. Army, honorably serving his country during the Korean War. With a deep commitment to personal growth, Al earned his diploma in Business Administration from the Northern School of Commerce on June 7, 1957. He went on to build a respected career with Prestolite, where he served as a union leader for Prestolite's office workers, Local 1135, until his retirement. While attending barber school in Detroit, Al met the love of his life, Phyllis June Duranczyk, who was working as a teller at a local bank. They were married on August 1, 1964, beginning a devoted and loving partnership that lasted until Phyllis's passing. As a young man, Al developed a passion for speed skating which was founded in 1946 by Dick Somalski. Al skated alongside a notable athlete, Olympian Terry McDermott. His love of sports was only one aspect of a vibrant life, dedicated to family, hard work and service. Al was a man of many passions and past times. All who knew him admired his deep passion for farming, especially his dedication to growing sweet corn and soybeans. He often sold his corn to local grocery stores or directly from the back of his pickup truck. After stepping back from farming, he devoted his time to caring for three large garden plots in his backyard, where he grew a variety of plants, including vibrant sunflowers. He loved raising chickens and took great joy in watching them grow. Family members frequently visited Al for haircuts. He was a talented cook, best known for his delicious tamales, pozole and his Sunday dinners-especially his homemade chicken noodle soup. He stayed active in the community as a member of the American Legion, AMVETS, Eagles, Elks, VFW and the Muskrat Club. Al enjoyed playing and watching sports especially rooting for the Michigan Wolverines. He had a deep love for staying active, whether it was basketball, bowling, fishing, golfing, hunting, playing pool or shuffleboard, softball, volleyball, wood carving, or barhopping. He enjoyed playing Keno, his favorite numbers were 3, 7, 11, 34. Al's zest for life was infectious. He was a gifted woodworker, proudly crafting cedar swing sets using trees from his property up north. He frequently hosted family gatherings at his cherished cabin in Rose City. When visiting his daughters in Arizona, he never arrived empty-handed often bringing kogel hotdogs, venison, venison sausage, perch, and walleye. Many memorable fish fries were held at his daughter Pam's house, filled with laughter and good food. He loved going to Cabo San Lucas with his family and friends, where they'd fish in the deep sea, savor delicious meals, and dance the night away. A talented athlete, Al boxed in the Army and was a Golden Glove champion. He played 40 and over blooper ball, participated in the annual St. Patrick's Day 5-mile walk/run marathon earning numerous medals and competed in the Senior Olympics. In 1971, his Men's Fastpitch softball team, Pickle Barrel, won the Michigan State Championship a proud achievement honored with their induction into the Bay County Sports Hall of Fame on October 9, 2011, in Bay City, Michigan. Al is survived by his loving children: Pamela Vos-Clark (Robert), Alfred Garcia Jr. (Maria Salinas), and Felicia Dusek (Benjamin) His grandchildren: Shane Clark (Meagan) of Mesa, AZ, Kyle Clark of Blenheim, New Jersey, Micah Hack of John's Island, South Carolina, Myriah Rangel and Victoria Salinas of Bay City, Michigan and Cory Scott of Mesa, Arizona. His great grandchildren: Declan and Claire Clark of Mesa, Arizona and Raschi Jr. and Silas Colbert of Bay City, Michigan. Brother-in-law, Robert Duranczyk(Suzanne Storrs) of Wixom, Michigan. Sister-in-laws, Ruth Bielski of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Nellie Jewell (Ron) of New Braunfels,Texas; as well as several nieces, nephews and close friends. Al was honored to be a godfather to Beckie Garcia of Bay City, Michigan and Andrea Flores of Mesa, AZ, along with Albert H.Huskins Jr. of Kawkawlin, Michigan. He was proceeded in death by his beloved wife, Phyllis; son-in-law, Kevin M. Vos; his parents, Amador and Sarah. Four sisters: Enedina Gil, Mary Harris, Amelia Thayer and Sarah Henry Sister-in-law: Marilyn Flores Nine brothers: Joe, Domingo, Amador Jr. I, Carlos Garson, Alonzo, Amador Jr. II, Arthur, Lee Roy, Garry He also grieved the loss of Larry Sevilla (like a brother) Brother-in-laws: Richard Duranczyk and Fernando Flores, Special Friend; Les Ginter As the final representative of his generation, the closing of Al's chapter marks the gentle end of a living link to family history. His legacy of kindness, strength, and generosity will live on in all who were blessed to know him. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Wendy Peters of Live Well Senior Care, who cared for Al for over two years and became like family, as well as deep appreciation to Kasey, Stacey, Jen, Melissa, and Oscar of Heart of Healing Hospice for their compassionate support and care during Al's final days.