Armando D. Garcia

March 20, 1962 – October 2, 2025

Armando Davila Garcia passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025 – the Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels – at UC San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center after a long illness. He was 63 years old.

Born on March 20, 1962, in Fresno, CA, Armando was the middle of three children of Alonso Garcia and Consuelo Davila (both deceased). He was preceded in death by his sister Leticia in 2021 and is survived by his brother Alonso Jr, sister-in-law Carmen, nephew Xavier, partner Christine, Aunt Maria, many loving cousins, relatives, and friends.

Raised in Clovis, Armando grew up surrounded by a loving extended family, immersed in his family's rich Tejano-Mexican musical heritage, which deeply influenced him. Diagnosed with juvenile Type I diabetes, he faced life’s challenges with strength and optimism, nurtured by his parent’s daily care and encouragement.

Armando was an inquisitive and spirited student, he played trumpet in various music programs, including the Clovis High School marimba band with his siblings and cousin Burt. He studied technical illustration and graduated from Clovis High School in 1980. Those who knew Armando remember his quick sense of humor, lightheartedness, and extraordinary resilience. He possessed a unique gift for turning ordinary conversations into moments of joy, often with an impish smile and hearty laughter. These qualities served him well as he navigated the many health challenges throughout his life, always choosing to uplift others rather than burden them with his struggles.

During his time at Fresno City College, Armando began losing his eyesight and eventually became visually impaired. This transition led him to the Orientation Center for the Blind (OCB) in Albany, California, around 1984, where he learned essential skills for independent living and employment.

Armando later settled in Oakland's Laurel District, which he called home for most of his adult life. Despite facing kidney failure requiring frequent dialysis, he persevered in his education. On December 7, 1991, he underwent a complex dual pancreas-kidney transplant at UCSF Medical Center. This life-saving surgery, while requiring extensive ongoing care, gave him renewed hope and opportunity.

He earned an Associate of Arts degree from Laney College and later a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and master’s degree from San Francisco State University. Drawing upon his educational achievements, experiences, and natural interpersonal skills, Armando went on to serve as a rehabilitation counselor and dormitory resident advisor at OCB, where he mentored and supported students with disabilities.

Armando embraced life in the Bay Area with enthusiasm, enjoying its diverse food scene, music, dancing, and exploration opportunities. Here, he became a parishioner of the St. Lawrence O'Toole Catholic Church community and built a wide circle of friends

across the Bay Area. Despite his visual impairment, he developed an exceptional sense of direction and knew virtually every street in San Francisco, Oakland, and the surrounding areas.

In summer 2011, Armando met Christine Kaiser at the Center for Independent Living. Their friendship blossomed into a deep companionship built on mutual interests in food, meaningful conversations, and travel. They supported each other through life's joys and challenges. Christine, a respiratory therapist by training, became increasingly involved in Armando's medical care as his health declined. She was a tirelessly devoted caregiver and advocate. Armando often expressed profound gratitude for Christine's sacrifice, devotion, and medical expertise.

Though visually impaired, Armando clearly saw the love and support of those around him—family, friends, caregivers, and all who visited, helped, and prayed for him. His radiant personality, kindness, deep faith, and "cool", yet mischievous, demeanor blessed everyone who knew him.

Service:

Funeral Service: Friday, October 24, 2025,

Location: St. Lawrence O’Toole (Divine Mercy Parish), 3725 High Street, Oakland, CA 94619.

Schedule:

§ 9:30 – 10:40 AM: Viewing

§ 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Mass of Christian Burial

§ 12:00 – 1:30 PM: Refreshment and social gathering

§ 2:30 PM: Interment at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, 26320 Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94544

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the American Diabetes Association in Armando’s memory.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the UCSF Medical Center hospice and medical teams as well as the many caregivers and friends who supported Armando throughout his life.