Astor A. Garcia
MIDDLETON–Astor A. Garcia, affectionately known as “Tochy”, with family and friends, was born on April 23, 1959, to Susana Torralbas Garcia and Astor Garcia in Holguin, Cuba. Astor emigrated from Cuba to the United States during the Freedom Flight missions in 1966. He proudly received his United States citizenship in 1987.
Astor graduated from South Miami High School in 1977 and then went on to graduate in 1982 from the University of Florida, with a degree in Psychology. While attending the University of Florida, Astor became a Sigma Chi brother and a UF cheerleader. He went on to judge National Cheerleading competitions.
In 1985, Astor accepted a job with Springs Window Fashions, which he enjoyed for 24 years, rising to the Director of Field Sales and Service. More recently, Astor worked for Hunter Douglas, Caesarstone and Bunbury & Associates Realtors. He was the ultimate people person. He was smart, a meticulous planner and selfless. Astor excelled at all aspects of sales, making connections and building relationships. Whatever task was at hand, he would volunteer, participate and help out the family or team, whether helping someone move, dog sitting or offering support. Astor always left places and people better than he found them.
Astor’s greatest treasure and joy in life centered around his children, Garrett Garcia and Matthew Garcia. He taught his boys love of family, by sharing all the beautiful rich traditions of his Cuban heritage from his extended family. He had a strong work ethic, working two jobs the last few years. Astor coached his sons in youth flag football through the Fitchburg recreation department. He coached both boys in basketball and football through junior high school, at Our Lady Queen of Peace School. Astor’s boys were the focus of his life, as well as his extended family in Miami, Milwaukee and Minneapolis. His two-year old great nephew, Theo, became the apple of his eye, having the opportunity to spend so much time with him, as family moved closer to the Midwest.
Astor loved music, dancing and laughter. His humor, quick wit and beautiful smile warmed those around him. He was a grill master and chef, he would often share his Cuban black bean recipe, which almost rivaled his mother’s. Although a University of Florida alumnus, Astor became an avid fan of University of Wisconsin football and basketball. He thoroughly enjoyed celebrating and sharing UW football tailgates with his son, Garrett, a UW student. Additionally, Astor was a huge fan of Edgewood High School’s football program and proudly supported and watched his son Matthew play football and basketball. He volunteered as a PA announcer for football, worked the scoring table and chain gang.
Astor is survived by his mother, Susana Garcia, and his sons; Garrett Garcia and Matthew Garcia. A brother; Albert Garcia, (Grisy), and a sister; Ana Becerra (Manny); Uncle, Mario Torralbas (Doris) Denise Grode, (mother of Garrett and Matthew); former wife, Susan Wilson, nephews, Dr. Nicholas Garcia, (Marisol) Garcia, their son, Theo Garcia, (great nephew); nephew, Manny Becerra, nieces; Susana Lamont, (Ben), Alexis Joshi, (Vijay); their daughter Penelope Joshi (great niece) and niece, Mary Becerra. Astor is survived by many loving cousins and friends. Astor is predeceased by his father, Astor Garcia.
Astor passed away after complications from a recent surgery and embraced his savior, Jesus Christ on March 2, 2022. Although gone from this earth, Astor’s spirit lives on in the hearts of those who love him, especially his sons, Garrett and Matthew.
A visitation will take place on March 11, 2022, beginning at 10 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Madison, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. Those wishing to view the service online can view it livestream at qopc.org. Memorial contributions can be made to the Edgewood High School football program. Also, his sons have requested Aster flowers. A second memorial service is being planned in Miami.
Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.
