Obituary

Edward James Garcia, age 73, of Staten Island, NY passed away on Thursday, July 20,2023.

Ed Garcia was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1949 to Thomas and Yolanda Garcia. He attended Catholic school for 16 years. He graduated from Nazareth High School and St. Francis College in Brooklyn. He received his Masters in Education from Richmond College in Staten Island. He taught Social Studies and Earth Science in Brooklyn and at Port Richmond High School in Staten Island for 32 years.

He leaves behind his wife of 30 years, Diane Casilli Garcia. They resided in New Springville, Staten Island. He also leaves behind his brother, Thomas Garcia, his mother-in-law, Doris Casilli, his brother-in law, Michael Zatarga, his sister-in-law, Lisa Fosket and husband, David, his sister-in-law, Michele Coyle and husband, Brian, his sister-in-law, Ann Kelly, and husband, Bob, his 12 nieces and nephews, and 14 great nieces and nephews. His sister, Patricia Zatarga, predeceased him. He was also predeceased by his first wife, Teresa Aleksiewicz of Brooklyn.

He always reminisced about growing up in Mill Basin, Brooklyn, playing various sports, and sitting on his front stoop in the summer months.

He derived great joy and fulfillment in the relationships he had with his nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. It also gave him a feeling of accomplishment when he made a difference in the lives of his students. He also enjoyed being a frequent guest reader at his wife’s second grade class at P.S. 23 in Richmond.

In his retirement, he and his wife, Diane, enjoyed traveling to various European countries, and having frequent dinners with family and fellow retirees.

Edward’s wake will be held at Hanley Funeral Home, located at 60 New Dorp Lane, Staten Island, NY 10306, on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, from 2-4 and 7-9. The funeral mass will be held Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 10:30am at St. Christopher’s Church located at 130 Midland Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10306. A private cremation will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in memory of Edward Garcia. To make a tribute donation go to www2.jdrf.org.