Juan Garcia
Longtime Chelsea Jewish
Nursing Home Employee
Juan Garcia, 90, of Chelsea, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 12th. He lived a full, long life, and his final moments were surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, Juan came to New York in 1950 at the tender age of 16 and later settled in Chelsea for many years before relocating to East Boston. Chelsea is where Juan spent much of his time making friends, hanging out with family and where he spent the last year of his life.
Juan loved his family dearly and made so many friends throughout his career and life. He spent almost 20 years working at the Chelsea Jewish Nursing Home cooking and cleaning, before retiring. Juan was a simple man who enjoyed spending time with family, getting fresh air and watching the Red Sox (his favorite team). If he had the chance, he never missed a game. He loved playing the numbers, scratch tickets, card games and dominos, cigars, wine, Columbo shows and music. Juan’s favorite artists and music included Javier Solis, Jorge Negrete, Ana Gabriel, Vicente Fernandez, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, all classic music and much more. Anyone who had the good fortune to know him knew he was a hard worker, a humble soul, and the purest of hearts. Juan never met a person who didn’t like him. His charm, accepting and caring nature is what drew everyone in and is why he made so many lifelong friends. Many will comment on his smile, his jokes, and his jovial, sweet personality that often filled the air, drawing people so close. These moments are what we will miss the most, and how we will always remember our beloved Juan.
Juan was the son of late Francisca Garcia of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, and brother of the late Felicita Velasquez, of Chelsea. He is lovingly survived by his son and daughters, Luis Rodrigues of Bronx, NY, Elsa Garcia of Revere, Blanca Garcia of Chelsea, Veronica Garcia Gee and her husband, Albert Gee of Somerville, and Nancy Garcia of Boston. He was a cherished grandfather to his grandchildren, Jose Camacho of Haverhill, Alexandra Mendoza of Boston, Marisol Araujo of Revere, Angelise Rosales of Chelsea, Elena Villegas of Melrose, William Gee and James Gee of Somerville, and great granddaughter Luna Lizardo of Melrose.
Juan was the widower of his late wife Aura Beatriz Carranza Garcia and survived by his ex-wife and beloved friend, Blanca Gomez Garcia of Revere. He is also survived by many extended family members and dear friends. Juan’s family and friends gathered for a visitation at the Carafa Family Funeral Home in Chelsea on Sunday, November 17 and a Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday at Santa Rosa of Lima Parish, 601 Broadway, Chelsea. Juan was laid to rest at Forest Hills Cemetery in Boston. We encourage family and friends to visit carafafuneralhome.com to offer condolences by means of the online guest book or to send a personalized sympathy card.