Obituary of Carlos Garcia
Garcia, N. Carlos led a life of service and leaves a legacy of commitment to his community. Carlos was born in Jatibonico, Cuba on December 7th, 1945 and passed away in St. Catharines after a brief illness on December 9th, 2024. Predeceased by mother Clarisa (Lopez) Garcia, father Nemesio Garcia, sister Graciela Janeck and wife Faye (Matthews) Garcia. Survived by loving wife Pauline Dardarian, sister Maria (David) Summerfield, uncle Armando Garcia, and nieces and nephews Brooke and Jenna Summerfield, Ed, Bill and Wayne Janeck and Carmen Hernandez. He is also survived by Pauline’s family, stepson Dean Raso, mother-in-law, Susie Dardarian and sister/brothers-in-law Patty, Paul and Mark Dardarian.
Leaving Cuba in 1961 he moved to Denver, Colorado, where he was an excellent student, completing a B.Sc in mathematics, an M.Sc in physics, an M.B.A in international business and post-graduate research in international economics at the University of Leeds U.K. Along the way, he met Fay Matthews, they fell in love and married in 1976. They lived in Toronto before settling in Port Dalhousie. They had a shared passion for their community and helped found what would ultimately become the Port Dalhousie Conservancy. Time at their cottage would often be a topic of conversation.
Carlos found love a second time, and married Pauline Dardarian in 2019. They both had a love for travel and were fortunate enough to share many adventures around the globe.
Carlos has been a strong advocate for his community and maintaining the heritage of Port Dalhousie. He has been a city councillor for the Port Dalhousie Ward from 2014-2024, has been the chair of the city budget committee, and previously held the position of regional councillor for St. Catharines. He was deeply involved in the local arts community and was a board member for the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.
When Carlos wasn’t busy with all of his other endeavours, he could be found in the company of his many friends, playing trivia at Scorecards or planning his next adventure.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted with the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines. The family welcomes guests for a Final Farewell Tribute for Carlos on Saturday, December 14th beginning at 12:00pm in the funeral home ceremony room with reception to follow. If desired, please consider donations to the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Port Dalhousie Conservancy, Port Dalhousie Beautification and Works Committee.
For those wishing to celebrate Carlos' final farewell tribute with us, please click the following livestream link: Livestream Link