Delfino R. “Del” Garcia, 69, of Fairhaven passed away comfortably at home on Saturday August 6, 2022 surrounded by all his family and loved ones after standing up to cancer for just under three years.
Born April 21, 1953, in Saginaw, Michigan to mother Susan (Arocha) Tripp and father Delfino R. Garcia, Sr., he lived there until historical interest and family brought them to San Antonio, Texas. They finally settled down in Fairhaven, Massachusetts for the same reasons. It was in Fairhaven where he honed in on his athletic skills, learned business, and met the love of his life, AnneMarie. As budding teenagers, the two briefly met during a summer on a private beach down Sconticut Neck. By chance encounter, the two felt their cosmic connection forever take hold weeks later on the school bus and they were inseparable ever since. Del and AnneMarie had been blissfully married for 49 years.
Del served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War earning many medals and commendations. He later dominated the Boston scene in insurance law for architects & engineers during the Big Dig era, sold highly sought-after real estate throughout Eastern Massachusetts, and ultimately served as Principal Town Assessor in Fairhaven which he loved so much.
Del's mantra in life was "Never stop learning.” He earned licenses throughout all of New England for things which only made him better during his career. His industrious attitude affected all around him, as did his drive for volunteerism, such as coaching multiple Little League baseball teams, becoming Treasurer of local high school Booster Clubs, Eucharistic minister duties in his local parish, sitting as Vice Chairperson on Bristol County's Board of Assessors, and serving as Post Commander of New Bedford's Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and Commandant of the prestigious Marine Corps League. However, his greatest act of kindness came when he would step in for Santa Claus for the young children in the City of New Bedford.
Despite all the wonderful caring things Del did throughout the years, his greatest achievements had been creating a daughter, Kristine and a son Timothy with AnneMarie. His family was his favorite thing in the world. In addition, through the many life-long friendships that he and AnneMarie created, many other individuals shared the warmth, love, and affection that was the core of their unbreakable family bond.
He is survived by his childhood sweetheart AnneMarie Garcia; daughter Kristine Pacheco; son Timothy Garcia; four granddaughters, Kayla Southerland and spouse Daniel, Ashley Pacheco, Katelyn Pacheco, and Marissa Pacheco; two brothers Benny and Steve, his sister Kathy; his stepfather Bill and stepmother Joanne; three stepsisters, and all the friends anyone could have ever been blessed with.
His Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday August 16th at 9 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Route 6, Mattapoisett. Burial with military honors will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Visiting hours will be on Monday August 15th from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Greater New Bedford Marine Corps League, c/o Richard Seguin, 16 Chancery St., New Bedford, MA 02740. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.