Dr. George Edward Garcia passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2022.  George was born in Mendocino California on May 2, 1930.  He was preceded in death by his first wife Lois Ann Garcia. He is survived by his current wife Nancy Philbin Garcia, his two children Suzanne (Gary) Criswell and Paul (Kim) Garcia, his grandchildren Chad (Christina) and Scott (Caitlin) Minton, Connor, and Brandon Garcia. He also was a Great Grandfather to Luke, Journi, and Jamison Minton. He was also loved and supported by his extended family Jim (Diane) Philbin, Tom (Diane) Philbin, Sue (Mike) Glomski, and Kevin Philbin as well as grandchildren Scott, Timothy, Kaitlin (Paul), Matthew, Ryan (Natalie), Christopher, Kristy (Dan), Erin (Dirk), Nick and great-grandchildren Kaiden, Kailey, Halsten and Theo.

George served in the army as an optometrist during the Korean War and later went on to have a distinguished career as an ophthalmologist.   He had a successful private practice (Boston Eye Physicians & Surgeons) and was Associate Chief of Ophthalmology at Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston Massachusetts (1984-1991).  He served in several leadership positions at the American Association of Ophthalmology lastly as its president (1980-1981) and was an integral part of its merger with the American Academy of Ophthalmologists in 1981. At the Academy, he also held many leadership positions on the board culminating in being its president in 1990. He continued in leadership positions throughout his remaining career and into retirement concentrating on the continuing education of the nation’s Ophthalmologists and Senior Ophthalmology Interest group until 1996. George also was a regular instructor at Boston University School of Medicine and in 1989 he was awarded the Alumni Award for Distinguished Service to his Profession by the University. He was also involved as a consultant with the Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton Massachusetts.  He was well-published in eye care from 1959 through 1996 and presented and taught many courses in eye care from 1969 to 1998. He dedicated his life to helping and caring for others.  He was particularly proud of the work he did with the Academy and being able to bring good quality eye care to everyone.

After his retirement, he enjoyed splitting his time between Glenview IL, and Tarpon Springs FL where he took interest in doing his own artwork and woodwork participating in the Tarpon Cove art shows.  He and Nancy also enjoyed spending time with friends at their residence, traveling the world, and playing golf at Innisbrook well into his 80s.

He will be missed by everyone who ever had the pleasure of getting to meet him, spending time with him, or benefiting from his generosity or his care.

George’s life will be celebrated on Friday, November 25^th at 10:30 AM in the Chapel of St. Ignatius Catholic Church with a reception to follow at 12:30 at The Tarpon Cove Residential Club House in Tarpon Springs Florida. If you are unable to attend the celebration it MAY be live-streamed at www.st.ignatius.net or on their YouTube page – St. Ignatius Tarpon Springs. (We are unsure as they have had a computer crash and are installing a new sound system.) There will also be a celebration of his life in Glenview at a later date for the family and friends there. The family asks in lieu of flowers that if you wish to show appreciation for George’s life that you make a donation in his name to either St. Joseph Notre Dame High School at 1109 Chestnut Street, Alameda, California to be added to the Garcia Family Scholarship Fund that will be created in his name or to the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology to be used for the consultation with the Committee On International Ophthalmology to enhance the education and training of Ophthalmologists in developing countries.

To make donations in his memory to Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School where Dr. Garcia was a proud member of the Class of 1948. Donations can be mailed to Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School, 1011 Chestnut Street, Alameda, CA 94501 Attention: Vicki Bargagliotti

To make a gift in Dr. Garcia’s memory to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, please visit the Academy Foundation’s donation page, select “global”  program,  choose your gift amount, and select “yes” to make the gift in memory of Dr. Garcia.

Checks can be sent to the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 655 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 in memory of Dr. Garcia.