Retired Army Master Sgt. Sylvester M. "Gus" Garcia passed away on March 27, 2017, at the Veterans Affairs long-term care center in Honolulu at the age of 86. Gus, who served in the U.S. Army for over 26 years and saw combat in both the Korean and Vietnam wars, was born in Honolulu on April 12, 1930, to Mack and Cecilia (Phillips) Garcia. He graduated from Farrington High School in 1947. An avid fan of University of Hawaii sports and a UH football season ticket holder since the mid-1970s, Gus was an accomplished athlete himself, excelling in volleyball, basketball, tennis, bowling and golf. After retiring from the Army in 1975, Gus earned two associate degrees from Leeward Community College. He was also a skilled gardener; his periodic plant sales, usually held over three-day weekends, drew large crowds to his home in Pacific Palisades. Gus is survived by his wife of 64 years, Beverly K. Garcia; daughter Martha (Roche) of Texas; son Melfred of Washington state; son Elroy; and daughter Sheryl-lynn (Camello). The fourth of his five children, Celia, passed away in 1973. Other survivors include sister Liberta Delasmenes of Honolulu; brother Howard of Kansas; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Visitation 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., April 20, at Mililani Mortuary in Honolulu; funeral service 9:30 a.m., with burial to follow at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. Casual attire.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
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