Norbert John Garcia

Obituary of Norbert John Garcia

Norbert “John” Garcia, 85, of Bonita Springs, FL, passed away Monday, October 3, 2022 after a 20-year valiant battle against Parkinson’s. John was born on August 9, 1937 in New York living in Brooklyn until his family moved to Miami, FL.  He was born to Norberto and Frances (Mattia) Garcia.  He attended Miami Edison high school and went on to earn a Journalism degree from the University of Miami. The “U” as he loved to say.  He worked as a journalist with UPI most notably covering some of the major stories in history including the desegregation of Ole Miss and Clemson Universities as well as the assassination of President John Kennedy.  He joined Westinghouse working as a Human Resources executive for many years in Charlotte, Pittsburgh, New Jersey and finally New York, with Group W Cable.  He and his wife, Susan Bedner Garcia, met in Pittsburgh and were married for 48 years.  They started and developed a successful consulting firm together in Charlotte, NC, sold it and then moved to Charleston, SC where they lived for over 20 years.  They recently moved to Bonita Springs, FL so John could live closer to his family in Miami.

 John loved to write and authored two books.  An eloquent and insightful writer, John was never afraid to voice his opinion. To the joy and sometimes angst of his friends and community, John ‘s opinions were regularly published in the Letters to the Editor section of his local newspaper. He loved bridge and earned the coveted Life Master status. Throughout the years, he competed in person and online across the nation.   Everyone who met John knew him as a kind, generous and sage person. 

A devout Catholic, John served his parishes as a Eucharistic Minister and Reader for many years. He also volunteered at Catholic Charities and served on the Board of Hospice.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Bedner Garcia, his sister Joanne and brother-in-law Howard Werner. His nieces and nephews, Joseph Werner, Lani Werner, and Luanna and Ron Baughman, Mark and Maura Pulford. Also, his many great -grand nieces and nephews.  John was warmly and well cared for by the devoted staff of Senior Helpers in both Charleston and especially here in Bonita Springs. 

John will be laid to rest with other family members at Caballero Rivero Woodlawn South, 11655 SW 117 Ave, Miami, FL 33186.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Association of SWFL.org