Michael Garcia's Obituary
Michael Joseph Garcia, 54, of Wesley Chapel, FL went to be with the Lord on June 23, 2017 following a 10-month battle with brain cancer. Michael was surrounded by his family and loved ones throughout his final days. He is survived by his loving wife Terri Luttman Garcia, his son Zachary Garcia of Wesley Chapel, Fl and daughter Nicolle Garcia of Hallandale, FL, his siblings Terri Matthews and Frank W. Garcia, his Uncle J.W. Goldsboro and many Cousins, Nieces, Nephews.
Michael was born in Washington D.C. and raised in Rockville, Maryland and graduated from Elon University in North Carolina. At the time of his death, Michael was a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) and Director of Global Accounts at Conference Direct and his 25 years in the luxury hotel market fueled his passion for contract negotiation and site selection for his customers. This passion was clearly evident in the relationships that he built with clients, coworkers, his friends and the community. Michael was a fast study and a patient teacher. Personally and professionally he had the uncanny ability of opening up a conversation with absolute strangers and working his way into their hearts with fun-loving nicknames and anecdotes.
Michael loved the outdoors and especially the mountains where one day had hoped to build a home with Terri on a lake in the Georgia Mountains. Michael was able to see the hand of God in the great outdoors. Endless horizons, be they at sea or in the mountains, transported Michael to a place of solace. His sailing trips with his father gave him time at sea and with a man he admired deeply.
Michael was an active man. He loved downhill skiing, football, and basketball. As a dedicated family man he sought opportunities to travel and create memories with his children Zachary and Nicolle and time to share special getaways with his love, Terri. During extended family gatherings Michael was the “go to Uncle” his mischievous fun loving nature attracted cousins, nephews and nieces like the pied piper.
Michael’s faith in Jesus sustained his life and gave him the strength to endure the hardships of the last 10 months. When he was diagnosed with Cancer he would ask all he met for their favorite verses of scripture and prayers. And for each of his 6 weeks of radiation he wrote those prayers on his radiation mask as he was armed for battle. He even nicknamed his “Radiation Girls” and asked them if they knew the song by Sheryl Crow “Make It Go Away”. When preparing this obituary Michaels son was asked how he would describe his Daddy his words said it all: “He is fun, he is nice and he helps people who are sick.” It is interesting to note from the obituary Michael wrote for his father that he would carry on his Fathers positive, loving, honest and fun attitude.
Visitation and Rosary will be held on Wednesday June 28th, 2017 5-8 pm at Trinity Memorial Gardens, 12609 Memorial Drive Trinity, FL 34655. The funeral Mass will be held Thursday, June 29th, 2017 (Afternoon exact time TBD) at Our Lady of the Rosary, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639. In Lieu of flowers donations are requested for patient care in Memory of Michael J. Garcia to Gulfside Hospice and Pasco Palliative care, 2061 Collier Parkway, Land O’Lakes, FL 34639-9978
Michael will be deeply missed by his family, friends and loved ones. He leaves a lasting legacy for all of us who knew him to “Make It An Amazing Day”
What’s your fondest memory of Michael?
What’s a lesson you learned from Michael?
Share a story where Michael's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Michael you’ll never forget.
How did Michael make you smile?