Adolfo Enrique Garcia of Gainesville Florida, passed away at 83 years of age on May 20, 2019 at Select Specialty Hospital at the University of Florida from complications associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Adolfo was born on June 10, 1937 in Cúcuta, Colombia. He was one of six children, three boys and three girls, born to Nieves & Jorge Garcia. Adolfo outlived all his brothers and sisters and is survived by his spouse of 52 years, Julia Ines Garcia. He is also survived by his daughter Maria Ines Garcia (spouse Mark Orient), and granddaughter Julia Isabella (Bella) Orient.

Adolfo graduated from Jorge Tadeo Lozano University in Bogotá and got a Masters degree in Business Administration from Iowa State University in Ames, IA. He and Julia met in Bogotá and after their marriage, Adolfo and Julia spent their married life back and forth from Colombia and the United States spending time in Chicago, Texas, and Bogotá before settling in Gainesville, Florida to be near family. They often visited Washington, DC where their only daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild live.

Adolfo was known to his family and friends as the person who could bring a crowd of family and friends together over a meal. Adolfo put his heart and soul into his food as a way to show his love of family, friendship, and the importance of community. He was always up for a spirited conversation about the issues of the times and there was never a dull moment when Adolfo was around which made the meals that much more treasured. He will be dearly missed by his family, extended family, and many friends.

A memorial service followed by lunch will be held at 11 am on Saturday, May 25 at Queen of Peace Catholic Community, 10900 SW 24th Ave, Gainesville Fl, 32607. All family and friends are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent on behalf of Adolfo & Julia Garcia to Heifer International
https://fundraise.heifer.org/fundraiser/2125519 an organization dedicated to ending hunger while promoting sustainabil