[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 133 (Thursday, July 29, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E849-E850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. JOSEPH ``JOE'' ``CHITO'' GARCIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 29, 2021

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 
life of Mr. Joseph ``Joe'' ``Chito'' Garcia.
  Born in 1930 during the Great Depression, Mr. Garcia had a strong 
desire to help his family and his community. As a young boy he shined 
shoes, sold lemons and delivered newspapers around West Tampa to help 
support his family. He then grew up to be considered a wise, quiet, 
individual with a big heart and was described as ``an outstanding 
example of an honorable man who lived his faith, his deep devotion to 
his family and friends.''
  During his childhood, Mr. Garcia joined the West Tampa Boys Club and 
later went on to support four local clubs by serving as president of 
the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay. He worked as a lawyer and served 
as the Chairman of the Tampa Port Authority. During his 16 years on the 
Tampa Port Authority Board of Commissioners, Mr. Garcia fulfilled his 
goal of developing the port to become business friendly for a growing 
Tampa area. Driving around the Channelside area in our hometown, you 
can see the influence and vision Mr. Garcia had for our city. When he 
retired, the Port Authority named their building after him. He was also 
involved with the Ybor City Rotary Club and the Florida Aquarium, all 
which made him one of Tampa's most notable philanthropists.
  Mr. Garcia's life was lined by the values of his faith and service to 
his country and community. He attended Jesuit High School and got a 
scholarship to attend Loyola University, where he worked two or three 
jobs at a time to help pay his way. There, he joined the Navy serving 
in various leadership positions and continued serving in the Navy 
Reserve after active duty. After the Navy, Mr. Garcia attended law 
school at the University of Florida.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of Florida and my neighbors 
across Tampa Bay, I am proud to honor. Mr. Garcia who died in the 
morning of May 28, 2021, two days after his 91st birthday and a 
lifetime of helping our Tampa community grow. Mr. Garcia made great 
contributions to advance the well-being of our Tampa neighbors through 
his integrity and leadership. We are grateful for his contributions and 
may his soul rest in peace.

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