Carlos Javier Garcia

Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.

Carlos Javier Garcia was born to Carmen Tirado Garcia and Carlos E. Garcia. He was the third of four siblings: Jose Enrique, Carmen Irmaris, and his beloved baby brother, Pablo Andres—his favorite.

Carlos completed his elementary through high school education in Hollywood, Florida, after his family moved to the United States from Puerto Rico. He later participated in Job Corps in Kentucky, where he earned his GED, received his high school diploma, and completed a Culinary Arts and Food Processing certificate.

He received hands-on training in auto mechanics, first from his father and later from Mr. Horovitz. During this time, Carlos met Susan Fogg, sister of the late Froggy, and fell in love. From this early relationship, two sons were born: Carlos Enrique and Rafael Earl. Life later took them on separate paths, and Carlos received support from Karen Horovitz in raising his children.

Years later, Carlos welcomed two more children—Jeremiah and Pablo Enrique—with Ana Rivera. In time, his path crossed once again with Susan, and their love was rekindled—stronger, deeper, and more mature. Together, they welcomed their princess, Sapphire, completing Carlos’s happiness. In April 2021, they were married, solidifying their love and commitment to one another.

Carlos worked as a cook in many restaurants throughout Citrus County. “In sickness and in health” became a very real challenge during the COVID pandemic. The virus took his jobs and severely affected his health, leaving permanent damage to his lungs. While on the transplant waiting list, Carlos ultimately lost his battle after spending Christmas and New Year’s surrounded by family, exactly as he wished.

He was welcomed into the Father’s house by his paternal grandparents, Pablo and Herminia Garcia; his maternal grandparents, Jose G. Tirado and Carmen Villegas de Tirado; his father, Carlos E. Garcia; and his uncles, Pablo Enrique and Francisco Javier Garcia.

Carlos is survived by his loving wife, Susan; his children Carlos Enrique, Rafael Earl, Jeremiah, Pablo Enrique, and Sapphire K.; his mother, Carmen Tirado Garcia; his siblings Jose Enrique Garcia and Paula Ramirez, Carmen I. Garcia and Luis Kelly, and Pablo Garcia and Natasha Garcia; Great Aunt Vangie Tirado and his nieces and nephews: Alxsis, Luis, Andres, Carmen Angelica, Lismary, Jasmine, Jonathan, Liam, and Jeannie, Zane, Zabella and Zamasu, Eadric and Ryan Knight son of Tricia Bradley an acquired sister for Carlos and Susan.

He is also survived by his aunts and uncles Angeles Tirado and Alfredo Colon, Jose Rafael Tirado and Milagros Rodriguez, Nilda L. Tirado, and Nora E. Tirado, Cesar and Annie Garcia, Jose Juan Garcia along with an infinite number of cousins and extended family. Some were like brothers and sisters: Will Dexter, Joadlin, Rosita, Edith, Julio, Rafaelito and Gaby, Alfredo, Angie Emil and Layra.

Very close to his heart were Karen and her daughter Natalia; Pam - sister/wife and her children, including Sabriel and her two babies—Carlos’s cherished grandchildren—along with Sherrianne and Solomon. Amanda who played a significant role in his time at Job Corps and right after. Special recognition is also given to Neumasia, his dear friend, "comadre" and caregiver, whose presence, along with her children: Sitara, his goddaughter, Jonathan and Jadyn, brought Carlos great happiness. The family is forever grateful to Brooks, Tyler, Heather, Ryan, Jaycee and Nick whose friendship meant more than words can express. Lately he acquired some self added kids Danny Wertz, Joey Aguilera, Colton Eckart, Kayla Nienhuis, and Bryanna Lowrey( Rafa's girlfriend)