Salvador Garcia's Obituary
Obituary
Salvador Garcia was born on August 6, 1921 in El Salvador, Central America. He passed away at the age of 94 ½, surrounded by his family in Fairfield, California, at 7:12 am on Wednesday, March 16, 2016.
Salvador met his wife, Maria del Carmen Brand in El Salvador and it was love at first sight for both. They were happily married for 60 years. As he always expressed she was the center of his universe. They raised 7 kids together and he became known as “Pop” to all his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
In the late 1950’s, at the urging and support of Mom’s brother, Joe Brand, Pop decided to immigrate to San Francisco in search of a better life for him and his family. Pop had worked very hard as a police officer prior to immigrating to San Francisco. With Joe’s help, he found work in the restaurant business, working double shifts to save enough money to bring his wife and children to San Francisco. Due to his strong work ethic and great personality, he was eventually hired by the Fort Mason Officer’s Club in San Francisco and ultimately promoted to Head Chef. He loved his career and never missed a day of work. He ended up helping many of his immigrating friends and relatives by providing job opportunities and housing support. He was a kind and generous man and highly respected by his bosses, colleagues and friends. One of his successes was to purchase his first home as it represented the American Dream. It was one of the happiest days of his life.
Pop enjoyed a long and successful career at the Club. Upon his retirement, he dedicated his life to enjoying time with his family and great friends. He was an amazing supporter of his kids’ careers and participated with Mom in helping with the rearing of the grandchildren. He also found joy in his hobbies. Pop was an avid reader, great at crossword puzzles, enjoyed watching soccer and baseball games, and loved great music and old classic movies. He was a very spiritual man and passionate about his faith. He spent many hours reading the Bible and learning about God. Pop never judged anyone and all those who met him instantly found joy in his company. He had a warm and loving nature, a very humble and peaceful personality yet highly gregarious. Pop loved to visit with his children; it was his greatest joy. He loved great food, music and storytelling.
On March 16, 2016, Pop passed away after living a life of 10 years without our Mom. He lived a very long life and died surrounded by his loving family. Pop’s memory will be cherished by his children, Moris Garcia, Anna Diaz, Alma Weber, Salvador E. Garcia, Carmen Castro Franceschi, and Brenda Doty. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carmen Brand Garcia, and his daughter, Laura Espana. Pop will also be greatly missed by his thirteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren, sons and daughter-in-laws, and numerous friends. Pop will never be forgotten by his loved ones. We are truly blessed by Pop’s long life, love, integrity, loyalty and compassion. We will forever hold him in our hearts. His funeral services will be held at Chapel of the Chimes located at 4499 Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, California on Friday, March 25, 2016 at 10:00 AM.
What’s your fondest memory of Salvador?
What’s a lesson you learned from Salvador?
Share a story where Salvador's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Salvador you’ll never forget.
How did Salvador make you smile?