Oscar Garcia passed away peacefully on September 19, 2021 in Phoenix after a courageous battle against brain cancer for over five years. He was born in Yonkers, NY to mother Clara and father Oscar, with elder sister Joanna and younger brother Matthew.
After graduating from Roosevelt High School, where he also excelled as a football player, he studied first at NYU Tisch School of the Arts before transferring to and graduating from the University of Miami. An MBA from NYU Stern School of Business followed, and this brought him to Phoenix after his recruitment by Intel. Education and professional achievements were important to Oscar – but even more important were the friendships he made along the way.
In 2014, Oscar married Ellie who he had met in New York in 2010. They built their home in Phoenix and quickly became connected to their community. 2018 saw the arrival of their beloved son Theodore.
Oscar lived so much life in a really short span of time and was loved by many. He lived his life with integrity, determination and passion, always open to new experiences and challenges. He had a huge heart and cared deeply about family and friends. Oscar was dynamic – an avid traveler, sports fan, salsa dancer, ketogenic diet aficionado, lifelong learner, handyman, health fanatic, and a Knight of Columbus. He had a smile for everyone and lit up the room with his presence.
Brain cancer did not define Oscar but he did embrace it and even turned it into a positive. Upon diagnosis, Oscar immersed himself in researching the nature of and treatments for the disease, and this influenced radical changes to his lifestyle. Many who have followed his journey have been inspired. He explored all avenues alongside the best medical team anyone could ever ask for. Despite his medical challenges, Oscar fulfilled his dream of making a pilgrimage to Lourdes, the pinnacle of his spiritual journey, returning home only days before his passing.
He was an amazing father, husband, son, brother and friend – our Superman will be sorely missed.
Private services were held by family.
Oscar was passionate about progressing research into brain cancer and support for those impacted by the disease. Instead of flowers, donations can be made to the Barrow Neurological Foundation (https://www.supportbarrow.org) or to the Gray Matters Foundation (https://graymattersfoundation.org).
Llannelys
Primo en paz descansa ,fue muy pocas veces las que nos vimos pero fueron suficiente para ver la gran persona que eras con todos , es una pena que no hayamos compartiendo mas momentos juntos siempre fuistes muy buena persona como tu quedan pocos en esta tierra suempre te voy a recordar tu prima llannelys mis mas sinceras condolencias a todos los familiares cercanos a el.
Helen Biedron
Such a wonderful person, the whole neighborhood in Phoenix loved him.
Rest In Peace Oscar, you will be missed.
Jessica
Condolences to the family. Although I did not know Oscar-I am familiar with his journey. And how far he kept going amazes me.
My husband passed away 8/7/21 from Glioblastoma after a 3 year battle.
Spiritual finding is personally what I think keeps them going.
I pray for you all and that you find peace in his passing.
Gray Matters ✊
Let’s hope there is a cure for others in the future so nobody else needs to go through this journey.
Emily Boyes
Sending all our hugs and love to Ellie, Theodore and family. Oscar was one of the greats. His memory will live on and bring so many smiles to people all over the world.
Love you all so much and wish we could be with you xx
Whitney & Murphy
I had the honor and privilege of serving as one of Oscar’s guidance counselors at Roosevelt High School. I will admit that he was one of the finest young people I had ever met in my long career. My greatest memory of Oscar was the time I was given the honor of presenting a scholarship to him at the Annual Hispanic Professionals Dinner in 2001. We stayed in touch over the years and had several conversations with him as he journeyed with cancer. He met this challenge with full determination, dignity and strength. He never faltered or complained. This young man had an incredible faith which, I am sure, gave him the hope and courage that he displayed to us as he met all of his medical challenges.
Oscar taught all of us so much. My student became my teacher. I will forever hold him in my prayers.
Gerard J. Colaio
John Shirts
Oscar was one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met. I loved talking to him. He was always so positive and optimistic. These will now be cherished memories. My love, prayers, and condolences to his family.
Mauricio Trejo
Oscar was a “good dude” to be around. His enthusiasm and friendly demeanor were infectious. He seemed to genuinely care about those around him and I’m sure he had an immense impact on those closest to him.
Joan Duemler
I was honored to meet Oscar when he first joined Intel. He came with such an inquisitive spirit (with an eagerness to learn), results-orientation (always wanting to do a great job), pride for his New York roots, and with a “heart of gold” (that I can’t even put into words). Oscar took the time to get to me and all of those around him. Even when the cancer came, Oscar always took the time to ask how my family was doing. He was one of the most caring people I’ve ever met. He loved his wife Ellie and son Theo dearly. Oscar was a true inspiration as a father, husband, friend, and will always be missed. Prayers for Ellie, Theo, and his entire circle of family and friends.
Mike lordi
I had the pleasure of interacting with Oscar during his tenure at axa-equitable many years ago. Always with a smile on his face and a great personality he was a joy to be around. My heart goes out to his family and friends, and you will all be in my families prayers.
Andrea
I am so sorry to learn of Oscar’s passing. I used to talk to him on the phone often to make sure his mind was at ease about his treatment and bills. He really made me smile on the phone. I hope you find comfort knowing he is finally at peace and you have gained an angel to watch over you.
Lisa Reed
What a beautiful tribute. I loved seeing Oscar in the neighborhood, and always enjoyed our conversations about health, as we were battling cancer at the same time. He was an inspiration … always so upbeat, and researching the latest treatments. I am so, so sad to hear that he has passed. I love hearing that he lived life up to the end. My thoughts and prayers are with you.