Francisco Valencia Garcia

Francisco Valencia Garcia, a Filipino guerilla fighter against the Japanese in World War II, and who later became a ship captain in the U.S. Merchant Marine, died on Jan. 12, 2017, surrounded by his family. He was 93 Years old. Mr. Garcia, a long-time resident of Metairie, was a native of the Philippines. He was born in Manila, Philippines on December 3rd, 1923. He was raised in Tabaco, Philippines. During the early part of World War II, he was a Filipino guerilla fighter and was later drafted into the U.S Army 11th Airborne Division in the Pacific Theatre. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, he became a merchant marine. Over the years, he rose up the ranks and soon became one the first minority captains of a US Merchant Marine ship. In 1959, his ship docked in Colombia where he met the love of his life. He would later say it was love at first sight. About 5 months later, he married Maria Leida Calderon and 2 years later in 1961 they both moved to make a home in New Orleans, Louisiana. During this time, he continued his service as a merchant marine for over 50 years, this including the Vietnam war. He navigated the world using the stars and relying on them to bring him back home safely upon his retirement in 1989. Francisco Garcia was a Free and Accepted Mason for over 50 years and was a member of the Shriners, Scottish Rite, Farhad Grotto, Past Master of Isis Lodge #406, and Metairie Lodge #444. During his retirement, he was a member of the Shriners Clown Unit participating in various charitable events to aid handicapped children. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign War 6640, America Legion Post #350, Chapter John P. April #33 of the Disabled American Veterans, Inc., and the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots (AFL-CIO) for 37 years. He was a parishioner of St. Catherine of Siena Parish. The family is appreciative to his doctors of Ochsner Clinic, especially Dr. Jaime Bustamante, who enabled him to live to 93. Additionally, the family is grateful to Mother Rosa and Sister Angelica of the Servants of Mary; and to Adele Harrell and her nurses and staff of Passages Hospice. He always made sure education was the primary goal in each of his children's lives. He was proud to see each of them advance in their profession. Throughout his life he was able to build a home for his dear wife and their four children in Metairie, Louisiana where he made several beautiful memories, until the day of his death. In the years following his retirement, he spent time in the kitchen cooking with his wife, tending to the yard, and cutting his grandson's hair. He loved listening to music and watching movies in his beloved recliner with the company of his dog Lucy. His sense of humor made each day radiate with positivity. He was a simple man, who never asked for more than what was given. His bravery and dedication inspired many to live the same way. He died on January 12, 2017 at 10:05 on a sunny Thursday morning. He is survived by his wife Maria Garcia of 57 years, four children: Kurt, Keith, Julie, and Hector; his daughter-in-law Ana; and his four grandchildren, Cristina, Michael, Rebekah, and Francisco; and his brother-in-law Hector Calderon, whom he raised. His funeral will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2017, at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 105 Bonnabel Boulevard, Metairie, visitation will be from 10 a.m. till noon, with the funeral mass at noon. Interment will follow in All Saints Mausoleum. Father Ronnie Calkins will be the main celebrant, with Father Deogratias Ekisa concelebrating. Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement. Upon his request, if you would like to make any donations or in lieu of flowers, that they be made to St. Jude Shrine, Shriners Hospitals for Children, or the Servants of Mary. To view and sign the online guest book, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.