The publication is reproduced in full below:
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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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 133
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