John Louis Garcia

COL John L. Garcia passed away on February 25, 2024 at his home in Alexandria, VA.  He was born on April 9, 1931 in Espanola, NM to Jose Gregorio and Mauricia Garcia. The eldest of ten children, he graduated from Santa Cruz High School and attended New Mexico Military Institute where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree and was designated a Distinguished Military Graduate. He accepted a Commission in the Regular Army in the U.S. Ordnance Corps which led to a 23-year career.  He attended the U.S. Army Ordnance School Advanced Course, U.S. Army Armored Training Center, U.S. Army Command and General Staff Course, Purdue University where he received a Master's in Engineering, and George Washington University where he received a Master of Science degree.

     COL Garcia was awarded the United States of America Bronze Star for meritorious service in ground operations against hostile forces at Headquarters, U.S. Army Assistance, providing logistical support to the Vietnamese Army; at U.S. Army Headquarters, Office of the Chief of Staff for Logistics, and in Research and Development, he received the U.S. Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service to U.S. Army’s industrial base support system; the U.S. Legion of Merit for his service to U.S. Army Alaska as Battalion Commander and Deputy Post Commander; and the U.S.  Legion of Honor, Oak Leaf Cluster for service in the Program Analysis Office, Ballistic Missile Defense Program where he was responsible for monitoring the Safeguard Management Information System. His knowledge and attention to detail ensured that statements before Congress were accurate,

    After retirement from the Army, he worked for thirty-one years with Development Associates using his skills and knowledge in educational development and administration in the U.S., and in many countries, including Peru, Brazil, Panama, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Panama, Jamaica, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Pakistan, Ukraine, and Armenia. In his second retirement, he continued his public service as an election officer and a volunteer in the income tax program. He served at St. Anthony Parish in many roles in its social justice and assistance programs.

      John was married to Mildred (his Milo) Ruybali for over 70 years. They had four sons and one daughter, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, many who have followed his example by achieving degrees in education, law, medicine, business, art, and engineering. His eldest son, John (Cecile) preceded him in death. He is survived by Tess (Gigi), Joseph (Claire), Jim (Sun), and Tim (Doreen), four brothers, Paul, Greg, Henry, and Mike, two sisters, Bernadette and Rosie, and many nieces, nephews, life-long friends and their children.

     On Saturday, March 2, 2024, Family and friends are invited to viewing and visit from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at EVERLY Funeral Home, 6161 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22044. Mass will follow at 2 p.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 3305 Glen Carlyn Road, Falls Church, VA 22041.
     Interment will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

   The family asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to an educational program, anywhere, in honor of John L.!

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.