Joseph Everett Garcia

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Joseph Everett Garcia, 86, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2023, at his home in Grandville, MI.

Joe was born on January 2, 1937, in Savanna, Illinois to John and Gertrude Garcia. He earned the honor of being the first baby to be born in 1937 in Savanna. He was the youngest of three children; he is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Martha Garcia-Cleer, and his brother, Gene Garcia. During high school he worked with his father and brother on the Chicago-Milwaukee-St. Paul-and-Pacific railroad where he was a “Caller Clerk” among other positions. After graduating high school in 1956, he put himself through Illinois College, graduating in 1960. He would later go on to earn master’s degrees at Rutgers University (MLS) and Winthrop University (MBA). He married his wife, Joyce, in 1965. They had two sons: Kevin, in 1967, and Lance, in 1970.

Starting in 1970, he served as Library Director for several library systems throughout the country and retired from library service in 2006. In the early 2000’s, Joe was instrumental in bringing internet services to his libraries. In general, he was a firm believer in providing information access to the entire community and brought that strong sense of public service to every library system he ran.

Joe was an avid tennis player and loved to play with both sons while they were in school in Michigan. He also loved books, movies, and music – of just about every genre – and was quick to quiz you on actors, musicians, and history. Joe especially loved warm weather. He was not a fan of Michigan winters. In 2003, he and Joyce purchased a condo in Bonita Springs, FL, where they wintered for twenty years… and made some great friends.

Joe is survived by his wife, Joyce Garcia, and both sons: Kevin (Mary) and Lance (Aimee); Joe had six beautiful grandchildren: Torrin, Ginesa, Marissa, Alex, Jordan, and Landen.

Visitation will be held from 1-3 pm on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at MKD Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW with a Celebration of Life service at 3 pm.