Joel Garcia Sr.

Joel Garcia, Sr., 66, of Fayetteville, NC, formerly of Reading, PA, passed away suddenly on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Cape Fear Medical Center, Fayetteville, NC.

Born May 21, 1960, in Manhattan, NY, Joel was the son of the late Sophia (Guzman) Santiago, and Prudencio Garcia. He and his wife of 45 years, Aida (Rodriguez) Garcia, were married on October 11, 1980, in Reading.

Joel served our country honorably and faithfully as a member of the United States Army from 1981 to 1987.

Joel worked in set up technician at East Penn Manufacturing Company, Inc., Lyons. Prior to East Penn, he worked at the Morgan Corporation, Morgantown, McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing, Morgantown, and Reading Truck Body.

Joel was a member of Capilla Cristo Redentor Assemblies of God Church in Spring Lake, NC. He had been a longtime member of Iglesia Bethel AIC Church, Reading, where he served as Co-Pastor, Superintendent of the Sunday School and a teacher in the Sunday School for many years. Most of all, Joel was a family man. He loved spending time with Aida and their children. He was an amazing Abuelo to his grandchildren, teaching them how to play sports and enjoying many special times with them.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Aida, are his children, Joel Garcia Jr., husband of Jessica Garcia, Reading, Benjamin Garcia, husband of Jeannette Garcia, Reading, Samuel M. Garcia, Dallastown, PA, Joanne King, wife of Peter King, Wernersville, Daisy Garcia, companion of Alexis Nazario, Reading, Stephanie Garcia, Fayetteville, NC, and Geraldo Garcia, fiancé of Annette LaPorte, Reading. He is also survived by his 21 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, by his siblings, Nehemiah Garcia, Sophia Garcia, Julia Garcia, Damaris Melendez, wife of Manuel Melendez, Rosa Garcia, Elizabeth Robles, wife of Roberto Robles, and Evelyn Moran, wife of José Moran, and by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his mother and father, Joel was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Ruben, Samuel, Rosa Maria, Benjamin, David, Joshua, Angel and Esther.

A viewing for Joel will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Walbert Funeral Home & Crematory, 14390 Kutztown Rd, Fleetwood, PA. 

Joel's Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 11:00 am at Walbert Funeral Home & Crematory, 14390 Kutztown Rd, Fleetwood, PA. 

Burial with Military Honors provided by the United States Army and the Ray A. Master Post 217, American Legion Honor Guard, Topton, will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Charles Evans Cemetery, 1119 Centre Avenue, Reading, PA.

Walbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Fleetwood, is honored to be caring for Joel and his family at this difficult time. Messages of comfort and sympathy can be offered to Aida and Joel's family at www.WalbertFuneralHome.com.