Deacon Henry Garcia, who was ordained to the permanent diaconate by Bishop Francis A. Quinn on June 7, 1981, died April 16. He was 94.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at North Sacramento Funeral Home, located at 725 El Camino Ave. in Sacramento. Bishop Jaime Soto will preside at the funeral Mass on Thursday, May 5 at 11 a.m., at St. Joseph Church, located at 1717 El Monte Ave. in Sacramento. The rite of committal will follow the Mass at St. Mary Cemetery, located at 6509 Fruitridge Road in Sacramento. A reception will follow the burial at St. Joseph Hall.
Deacon Garcia, who was in the first class of permanent deacons ordained for the Diocese of Sacramento, served for 25 years at St. Joseph Parish in Sacramento. Because of this, he had the opportunity to encourage many families in their faith. He was also privileged to serve as a hospital chaplain at Kaiser. "We are not sure how many baptisms he did (there were many), how many funerals or weddings he helped with, or how many visits he made -- all we know is he loved the people and they loved him," said his son, Hank, on behalf of Deacon Garcia's family.
A graduate of Sacramento High School, he spent two years in the U.S. Army Air Corps where he was stationed in Germany. Upon his discharge, he completed aeronautical classes at Sacramento City College. He worked at McClellan Air Force Base for 34 years, finishing his career as an aircraft production and repair specialist.
Among his many passions, he loved family, baseball and serving his community. He was a member of the Grant Booster Club, coached and later became president of the Northgate Little League.
Deacon Garcia was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dolores, and two daughters, Theresa and Emilia (Mark Robinson). He is survived by two sons, Hank (Leslie) and Dan (Debbie), and daughter Yolanda (David Armenta), nine grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.