Andrew Garcia

Andrew Garcia, 85, died on July 9, 2016, in Bakersfield, CA. He was born on February 4, 1931 in Bakersfield, CA to Mary Gonzales Garcia and Juan Garcia. Andy enlisted into the U.S. Navy at the age of 16 years old. His mother had to sign for him to join because of his age. He served in the U.S. Navy 1948-1952. While in the Navy he traveled all over the world. He remembers going through the Panama Canal to New York. From there he crossed the Atlantic Ocean to Italy, Germany and many other countries. After an honorable discharge from the Navy he went to work for the U.S. Postal Service. Andy retired in 1986 as a postal employee after 30 years. After retiring from the postal service he worked as a school crossing guard for the Bakersfield City School District until 2015. He was preceded in death by his sister Isabel Estrada and his mother Mary Garcia and his father Juan Garcia. He is survived by his nieces Rachel Muniz, Nancy Flowers, Mary Ellen Carroll and his nephews Larry Estrada and Ruben Estrada. He also leaves several great nieces and great nephews, friends and neighbors. A graveside service will be held on Friday July 22, 2016 at 12:30pm at Bakersfield National Cemetery 30338 E. Bear Mountain Blvd., Arvin, CA.

A special thank you goes to Hoffman Hospice, Carmela Gurrola (adopted daughter) and Helen Valencia for caring for Andy at the end of his life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hoffman Hospice 8501 Brimhall Road, Building 100, Bakersfield, CA 93312.