Obituary of Thomas V. Garcia

Thomas Vincent Garcia, age 74, decided it was time to spend the holidays with his loved ones in Heaven. He left on his journey on November 25, 2024. His trip was peaceful and we are all thankful that he made it there safely.

For those that knew Thomas, we are sure you would agree, he was the life of the party! He was funny, loving, stubborn….and most of all….caring. His passion and life's work were to ensure that those who were less fortunate, had a roof over their head and that the children were cared for.

Thomas was born on November 8, 1950 in the Bronx, NY. He was one of four children and was incredibly close to his sister, Patricia. At the age of 13, Thomas and his sister moved in with his aunt and uncle in Richmond, NH. Following his graduation from high school, he graduated from The University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Thomas came to Penn Yan in 1972, taking his first job with the Heywood-Wakefield furniture company. Following the closing of the Penn Yan plant, he took the position as Director of Keuka Housing. Thomas was a very talented grant writer. With his expertise, intelligence, and gift for gab, Thomas was instrumental in ensuring low-income housing for our local community. Before his retirement, he also served the Ithaca community in a similar position.

Thomas will be missed by all those that loved him. He is survived by several nieces and nephews in the Boston, MA area, including Robert (Tina) Hartwell, Christopher (Meghan) Hartwell, and Patrice "Tisa" (Steve) Dolschenko, as well as his step-daughter, Julie Andersen, of Penn Yan and several of his dearest friends.

Celebration of Life festivities will be at the convenience of the family in January 2025.