March 13, 1934 – February 25, 2020
Richard W. Garcia (née Fodor), 85, Carmel, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 12:04 a.m. He was born March 13, 1934 to Samuel and Marie (Gerasin) Fodor in East Chicago, Ind.
Richard was a hard-working, loving and devoted husband and father, and worked as an Industrial Fire Brick Mason, laying brick at Inland Steel Company for 34 years, and then as an independent contractor for three years.
He served in the US Army from 1952 to 1955. Richard joined as a Radio Operator in the Battery C 86th AAA Missile Battalion and in the same year completed training and worked as a Pole-lineman. He served in the Korean War for 15 months, and received the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Ribbon, the United Nations Service Medal, and two bronze stars.
Richard was born Richard W. Fodor. After his parents divorced, his mother met Jose Garcia and they had a family of their own. Following his mother’s death when he was 12, Richard and his siblings were placed and grew up in the Carmelite Homes for Boys & Girls. Eventually, Jose Garcia became his adoptive father and Richard legally changed his last name to Garcia. He attended Bishop Noll Institute High School and turned down a football scholarship to Notre Dame University to go on to serve in the U.S. Army, and then married Joan on June 4, 1956.
Richard enjoyed hunting, arts and crafts, building model airplanes, cooking, gardening, music, dancing, and spending time with family, going fishing and playing games – especially cards and dice. Richard was a Webelos leader for several years with the Boy Scouts of America. He was a jack of all trades, very good with his hands, and enjoyed remodeling his house with the help of his wife, Joan.
Richard is survived by his children, Debra Nisevich, Richard (Lisa) Garcia, Tony (Robyn) Garcia and Diana (Allen) Linn; grandchildren, Daniel Nisevich, Melissa (Kyle) Brown, Carly Smith, Anthony Garcia, Luke Garcia, Johnathan Ferguson, Carolyn Ferguson, Sarah Linn and Scott Linn; several great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and extended family; dear brothers, Joseph (Barbara) Garcia and Frederick Garcia; dear sister, Mary Johnson; and long-time friends, Dave and Angie Lucero, Jerry Lovich, Keith and Millie Rich, and Rosemarie DeRosa.
In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Joan E. Garcia (Plys); adoptive father, Jose Garcia; brother, Victor (Frances) Fodor; sisters, Millie Sanchez and Gloria Garcia; son-in-law, Patrick Nisevich; and grandson, Phillip Nisevich.
Richard was a very kind and generous man who has helped many along the way. He enjoyed entertaining, telling stories, making others happy, and has impacted many lives.
Loved by many friends and family, he will be greatly missed.
To all of his beloved friends at Magnolia Springs Assisted Living where he resided, he said, “Keep on singing!!” and to all family and friends, to know that he didn’t suffer, and “Que sera sera.”
Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday March 7, 2020 at Randall & Roberts Funeral Center, 1685 Westfield Road, Noblesville, with the service beginning at 2 p.m.
He requests no flowers be sent, but to have a mass said in his honor.
Arrangements
Calling: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., March 7
Service: 2 p.m., March 7
Location: Randall & Roberts Funeral Center
Condolences: randallroberts.com