NOBEL GARCIA

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of Nobel M. Garcia, proprietor of El Oriental de Cuba.  Nobel passed  on November 18, 2021, peacefully surrounded by his family.

Nobel was born on March 11, 1946 in Santa Clara, Cuba.  In 1956, his parents emigrated to the United States and settled in Boston.  Once his parents had been able to secure employment and shelter, they sent for Nobel and his sister Noris whom reunited with their parents a year later in Boston.

Nobel got a very early start working in the community of Jamaica Plain.  As a teenager, Nobel obtained his very first job at Tropical Foods Supermarket (El  Platanero) as a store clerk.  It was during this employment that he met his future wife, Maria Garcia and started their family in Jamaica Plain.  In the years to follow, Nobel worked alongside his father as they opened up a small grocery store in Hyde Park called Garcia's Mini Market. In 1976 they expanded and moved their location to 376 Centre Street which would become a true gem in the community, Garcia's Superette.

In the early 90's, after his parents retired, Nobel started a new adventure with his uncle (at Oriental de Cuba).  He decided to follow his passion of food, cooking and socializing by entering the restaurant business.  During those years, Nobel persevered at learning all the various aspects contributing to a successful restaurant.  When his uncle decided it was time to retire, Nobel continued and worked tirelessly day and night in order to create an establishment that offered not only delicious food but an atmosphere of comfort and familiarity for all that would grace the doors of El Oriental.  And while Nobel became an enormous entity in the community, he always remained grounded and humble.  For over 50 years, Nobel served the people  of Jamaica Plain and his loss will most certainly leave an enormous void to his family, friends and community.

While his restaurant became his true passion, he also loved to travel, especially his trips to Florida and Costa Rica, however one of Nobel's favorite getaways would be a simple drive to Castle Island with a good book and a hot dog from Sully's.  He was obsessed with wearing guayeberas and often giving them to friends.  Nobel was very talented in calligraphy and drawing and an extremely gifted photographer.  He enjoyed a great Port wine and spending quality time with his family and friends.

Nobel was the son of the late Ceferino and Paulina Garcia and the brother of the late Noris Bosch. He is survived by his two daughters, Lissette Garcia and Yvonne Torres, a brother  George Garcia and sister Diane Pratt.  He leaves behind his grandchildren Jessica, Julia and Eric Torres and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

A public viewing will take place on Sunday, November 28th from  1pm to 6pm at the Mann & Rodgers Funeral Home, 44 Perkins Street, Jamaica Plain.

A private procession from the Funeral Home on Tuesday at 9:15am followed by a Funeral Mass at Holy Name Church, 1689 Centre Street, West Roxbury at 10 o'clock.  Relatives and friends invited.

Interment private.

Guestbook@mannandrodgers.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of NOBEL GARCIA, please visit our floral store.