Ricardo Jose Garcia

Ricardo "Touche" Garcia was born on May 8, 1965, in Cuba to the late Ricardo Modesto Garcia and Maria Dominguez Garcia. When Ricardo was a child the family immigrated to the United States, first putting down roots in New York and later settling in Hialeah, Florida.

A Miami-Dade County Public School (MDCPS) graduate, Ricardo went on to earn his bachelor's and, in 1994, his master's degree from Florida International University in Miami. While at FIU he pledged Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. through the Lambda Tau Chapter in Fall 1989, crossing the sands with Winston Hull and Richard Oliver on November 19, 1989. The trio—fondly known as the "Bearers of the Word"—forged a lifelong bond.

Ricardo lived the fraternity's ideals of Scholarship, Service, and Brotherhood. As a devoted, financial member of the Gamma Delta Sigma Graduate Chapter in Orlando, he gave freely of his time in support of the Sigma motto, "Culture for Service and Service for Humanity." His faith was equally central to his life: he worshiped at New Macedonia Church & Ministries in Winter Garden under Pastor Gregory F. Holloman.

Professionally, Ricardo began as an MDCPS Social Studies teacher. Eventually, he added soccer coach and yearbook teacher at Miami Northwestern Senior High School to his repertoire. Later, he brought his entrepreneurial spirit to the real estate industry in Orlando.

The nickname "Touche" perfectly captured both his quick-witted verbal jabs and the playful, slow-motion swagger of the cartoon character Touché Turtle. Friends and relatives cherished his Friday encouragement texts, Sunday phone calls, and ever-present sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Modesto Garcia; his maternal grandparents, Sergio and Ana Dominguez; and his paternal grandparents, Ricardo and Consuelo Garcia. He leaves to mourn his "bonus" mother, Velsaida Rodriguez; his cousin, Tito "Nestor" Llerena; his brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; his sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; his New Macedonia church family; and a host of extended relatives, friends, and former students who will forever treasure his memory.

Ricardo's warmth, faith, and irrepressible humor enriched every life he touched. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

We invite you to share your heartfelt sympathy and support by leaving your condolences in our online guestbook.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Bro. Ricardo to the Getting in Good Trouble Scholarship Fund of the Gamma Delta Sigma Graduate Chapter in Orlando, FL.

Contributions can be sent via:

Zelle: gds.treasurer1951@gmail.com

CashApp: $gds1914