Mario P. Garcia

OBITUARY – MARIO P. GARCIA

Mario P. Garcia, 88, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Monday, February 2,

2026, after battling dementia and a heart condition.

Mario was born in Guatemala, Central America, to Natalia and Cristobal Garcia on June 29,

1937. With the help of his mother-in-law, Imelda Milliken, Mario immigrated to Jamaica, New

York, in March 1960, accompanied by his brother-in-law, Bernardo Pelaez. Immediately, he

began working day and night, while also attending night school to learn English. His goal was to

progress and build a life that would allow him to reunite his family. Soon after, he brought his

wife, Maria Teresa, and their three-year-old daughter, Sonia Patricia, to New York from

Guatemala; they were accompanied by his brother-in-law, Andres Pelaez, so they could finally

be together again. On September 28, 1962, his son, Mario Roberto Garcia, lovingly known as

"Bobby," was born, becoming the first generation of Garcias born in the United States.

Mario worked at UPS for 25 years and was known for his dedication, honesty, and strong work

ethic. His time at UPS was life-changing and helped him reach his goals of providing his wife

and children with a comfortable life, as well as earning a well-deserved retirement after 25 years

of service.

A devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, Mario took

great pride in his family, here and in Guatemala, and was happiest when everyone was

together-sharing stories, laughter, and meals that turned ordinary moments into lasting

memories. Those who knew him will remember his best qualities: his positive spirit, kindness,

willingness to help others, sense of humor, vivacious laugh, generosity, everlasting faith, and the

steady way he showed up for the people he loved.

Mario loved soccer, the New York Mets, a warm cup of coffee with sweet bread, Guatemalan

marimba, and serving as a devoted member of the Hermandad del Señor de Esquipulas at

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Jamaica, Queens.

Mario was predeceased by his parents, Natalia and Cristobal Garcia; his sister, Maria Elvira

Garcia de Castillo; his brothers, Juan Rigoberto Garcia, Alvaro Tito Garcia, and Claver

Cristobal Garcia. He is survived by his wife, Maria Teresa Garcia; his children, Sonia Patricia

Barrientos (Carlos), and Mario "Bobby" Garcia (Stacy); his grandchildren, Eric Barrientos,

Karen Barrientos, Stefanie Francis (Bryan), and Caitlyn Little (Kirk); his

great-grandchildren, Oscar Little and Owen Francis; his sister, Aura Sofia Lopez; and many

loving nieces and nephews in New York, California, Florida, Chicago, and Guatemala.