Roberto Garcia Obituary

What can I say that hasn't been already said? My uncle's friends and family know exactly who he was and how he impacted their lives. Growing up, my most vivid memories of him were always related to music. I remember he was visiting us in New Jersey the summer (?) I learned to play guitar. I wanted desperately to learn "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin. As I sat in our basement trying to figure it out, I heard him say "well, I guess that's my cue!"



As an uncle, he was always thinking about us, our interests, etc. I remember once he gave me a gymnastics book (I was very young) because he knew I liked it and Nadia Comaneci. It's funny how you remember the little things - but they mean a lot.



Life won't be the same without Uncle Bob. Music won't be the same. But we'll always feel his presence and remember him when we hear the music he loved and played. I know I will never hear "Blackbird" by the Beatles and not be moved. Or "Stairway to Heaven", for that matter.



I know you're rockin' in heaven, jammin' with all your idols who have gone before you. But we'll miss you here all the same, and we'll see you again one day.

Words cannot express the range of emotions I have had throughout this past week, but I can say that I feel Uncle Bob with me more than ever. His physical life here on Earth was hard, and his spirit is now stronger, free of physical handicaps. His music and love of music will live on in everyone who knew him. I thank God and Uncle Bob for the gift of music in my life. It is something that will be with me always, and in turn Uncle Bob will be with me always. I love you and thank you for all you have given me. You will be missed.

To all the family and friends of (Uncle) Bob,



To say that we are all better off to have know my uncle is an understatement. To say that he set the example in which we should all live our lives is an understatement.



(Uncle) Bob showed us all how to live through whatever hand you are dealt. He showed us, whether it was through music, words or actions that no day should be wasted and no note unheard. He has inspired countless people to be better than they thought they were and to think bigger than they thought they could.



Now that I look back, I wonder how many people, no matter their age, now play an instrument, sing or do some other inspiring act because (Uncle) Bob inspired or taught them to?



I am proud to say that my Uncle Bob was a great man and one that shall live in our hearts and memories for generations to come.



We will remember you always,

To All Our Friends,



I know I speak for our family in thanking you for the kind remembrances of my brother Bob. Your support, in these times, means so much to us and helps with the heartache that such a loss brings. Bob loved his friends and would do anything to help out whenever he could. Nothing stopped him. He was physically challenged, but the love in his heart was his strength. To know Bob, was to love him. Bob loved music, but he loved his friends just as much.



He will forever live in our hearts.



Thank you.





To My Family,



Words cannot explain the pain in our hearts. Words cannot close the hole in our lives that Bob's passing brings. I can only offer these words in tribute to our brother, our uncle, our son.



As Father Dan so lovingly used the Door's "Road House Blues" to honor Bob, we can all take solace that in music, Bob will live forever. Not that I need music to remember Bob, he will forever be in my thoughts and prayers. It's like when I hear a classic rock song, I remember the joy of playing with the Janus band. And now I will remember the joy and happiness that Bob had playing music. I will listen to the Beatles, from now on, not only with my ears, but with my heart as well.



It pains me greatly to be so far from all of you. But even though 800 miles separates us physically, we are next to each other in our hearts and minds. I don't get many chances to say, "I love you", but please know that I do.



I pray that time will help ease the pain in our hearts and fill our every moment with loving remembrances of Bob.



Your loving brother, uncle, son,

Pete

What I'll miss most about Bob are his stories. Whenever he'd stop over, he couldn't wait for me to say "How's the family". He didn't waste anytime updating me. He was so proud & spoke very highly of everyone. He loved you all very much.



My heart not only aches for the sudden loss of Bob,but selfishly for myself, as I have lost the main link to a wonderful family,that I never would of known, if it hadn't been for him.



Thanks Bob, some of my best memories are with you & your family. God bless you all!

I am very saddened at Bobby's passing. He was such a kind hearted person and a good friend to my entire family for such a long time.



The things I will remember most about Bobby are the Beatle songs he played on guitar around the campfire when we would go to Indiana Beach, him singing Mr. Spaceman at the Bungalow, the picture of UGODDAWANNA he gave me as a graduation gift before I was in the band (I had it on my wall forever and brought it along to hang in my college dorm) and the way he always said "Hello, this is Bobby Garcia" every single time he called the house. I always chuckled when he would do that like we wouldn't know who he was if he would just say "Hi, it's Bobby".



Bobby was my biggest encourager when I first got in the band. I was so nervous the first couple of times I was in the band room with the guys and he was always understanding. I remember singing "Heartbreaker" one practice and when we were done Bobby said, "See, Kim, you were so relaxed in that song and having fun and it sounded good". That was truly my calming point in the band where I said to myself, "see, I can do this". I'd always grab him a can of pop before practice and I'd yell at the other guys when he would try to say something and they would keep interrupting him. No one can play th 4 Non Blondes song the way he could when we did it together in the band. At the end of the song it was just him playing and me singing and it was always just right. We referred to it as "Our song". Obviously, the list of memories goes on and on.



Little did I know when I saw him two weeks ago it would be for the last time. I'm just thankful I came home in time to see him and give him a good-bye kiss on the cheek.



I will miss him dearly.

I am so terribly sad about the death of Bobby. What a terrific person he was - so sweet, harmless, not a bad bone in his body. As I sit remembering him today, so many good thoughts come to mind -- my first memory is him picking me up from kindergarten when my mom was in the hospital having Kim. I also remember the times he went camping with us at Indiana Beach. He would play the guitar by the campfire. Then there are the times we drove around in his car (I think it was a Demon??). Oh, and I can't forget singing background with him to "Johnny Be Good" at my 8th grade graduation party, and there are so many others. Bobby was truly like an uncle to me and I will never forget him. Praise the Lord he died peacefully and is now in a better place. God Bless You, Bobby

Although I left the Chicago suburbs in 1972, I really didn’t leave. My memories allow me to relive my time there and visit whenever I want.



When I got married in 1966, I inherited the Fourth of July as my “family holiday”. And what would a Fourth of July cookout be without my brother’s band? It would have been a regular, boring cookout.



So every year, the band would lug all their equipment and set up in my driveway. And for the price of a burger, I had live entertainment. We would dance the afternoon away.



Whenever I have been back to visit and had the opportunity, I would go and hear "The Band". Every time I went, Bobby was there and always had a big smile and a hug for me.



To remember Chicago is to remember the band and to remember the band is to remember Bobby. Bobby... with his silver streak that made him look so distinguished. Bobby... with his contagious smile. Bobby... one of the good guys.



My condolences to the entire family.



Another angel has flown home. xoxo

Bobby was one of my best friends and I will never forget him. He was there with me through some of the worse and best times of my life. He was truly loved by all who met him and he was my partner in the band for over a dozen years. He will be missed!! Take care my friend,and I know you will be with us in spirit!!

My Uncle Bob was the kindest man one would ever know. He loved his family and friends dearly and he would do anything he could for us. Thanksgiving was the last time I spent with him. It was so nice having all of our family together. Unfortunately, it would be the last time our family would be whole. Since Uncle Bob died, there is a huge piece of our lives missing, and the pain his loss has brought hurts so much. The only thing that helps me is knowing that he is in Heaven, where he is healthy and happy. I love you Uncle Bob.

I first met Bobby 35 years ago when he came home from school with my brother. He had with him his guitar and an amplifier smaller then a computer monitor. I remember the small silver curl that hung down on his forehead and I had a crush on him almomst immediately. He however liked another girl who he went to school with and always just thought of me as the sister of his friend. There was one day though he agreed to go with me, my brother and a couple others to Monticello, Indiana to this amusement park on the beach. That was our first and only date. He played a game similar to ski ball only you sat with you played it. He accumalated tickets and at the end of the day he turned the tickets in and got a small, black, ceramic cat. I still remember he didnt give it to me right away. But finally he did and it meant so much to me getting that from him. I still have it. Over the years, I havent seen Bobby alot because living in Indiana I didnt get out to see the band that often. The times I did see Bobby memories of our teenage days together always flashed in my mind. I can still see him sitting in my parents livingroom on Wood Street playing Lil Miss Ridinghood and Dirty Water. I loved to watch him play the guitar and harmonica. Bobby will always live in my mind and will always be in my heart.

I feel blessed to have I've known Bobby my whole life and am so sad he has passed. My prayers are with him and his family.

Kelly McMahon (Laverty)

I just lost a great friend, and a band member that I have performed with for over 30 years. Bobby was one of my best friends. We met in high school, shared our love for music and the rest is history. Going way back to the late 60's and our first venture..The Rocking Ram Rods to the last two bands we were in (Janus 1978-1986)and (U GODDA WANNA 1990-2001). Bobby may had not been the most flashy guitar player but he was a solid player and it was my pleasure to have had all the great years with him. I'm gonna miss you buddy and remember if you start any musical projects up there, keep the drummer's spot open for me as you know I'll want to be a part of it. God Bless you Bobby.

Mrs Garcia and Family,

I'm so sorry for your loss, I wish I

could be there,if it is just to hold your hand.My God bless and he will take care of your needs.

Sharon Burton