a lifelong resident of Warwick, passed away on January 28, 2010 at Westchester Medical Center.  He was 81 years old.

Born on August 31, 1928 in Warwick, he was the son of the late John and Theresa (Manno) Garcia.

He was married to the late Dolores Kearns Garcia (1989).

Mr. Garcia served in the US Army during the Korean War and was a member of VFW Post #4662, Warwick.  He was a self-employed Business Owner and Operator.  He also was a former fireman with Excelsior Volunteer Fire Company, Warwick.

He is survived by his two daughters:  Suzanne Garcia-LaBombard and her husband Kevin of Cedar Lake, IN, and Patricia Hankins and her husband Roger of St. Augustine, FL; a sister, Antoinette Knapp of Warwick; a brother, Rocco Garcia of Warwick; dear nephews:  John DenDanto, John Garcia, Tom Garcia, Bill Garcia, Sandy Knapp; dear niece, Terry Knapp David.  He was predeceased by a sister, Clara DenDanto and a brother, Russell Garcia.

A family statement reads:  “Connoisseur of home-grown hot peppers, al dente pasta, and good laughter, Sam will be missed lovingly by all.”

Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 17 Oakland Avenue, Warwick.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Wednesday at St. Stephens RC Church followed by interment in Warwick Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Warwick Ambulance, PO Box 315, Warwick, NY 10990, American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 1010, Rockville, MD 20852, or Warwick Meals on Wheels, 20 Grand St., Warwick, NY 10990.