Thomas M. “Flat” Garcia
November 10, 1952 - October 29, 2025
Thomas M. Garcia, affectionately known as “Tommy” or “Flat”, of Middletown, DE, passed away Wednesday October 29, 2025 at the age of 72.
Born on Monday November 10, 1952, in Wilmington, DE, he was the fifth of seven children born to the late James G. Sr. & Elizabeth M. (McDermott) Garcia. Tommy proudly served in the United States Air Force right out of high school and was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. He made his career as an operating engineer for the IUOE Local 542 for over 40 years; a majority of his tenure was spent at Brandywine Construction Company, Inc, retiring as a superintendent.
In his spare time, Tommy enjoyed golfing, shooting pool, and traveling. He was a member of Terrace Athletic Club, Stahl Post, and the APA pool league. He loved entertaining friends, family, and strangers and could often be found hosting and singing karaoke. His voice was unforgettably captivating. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. With nearly 27 years of sobriety, Tommy was heavily involved in the recovery community, offering open arms for anyone in need.
In addition to his parents, Tommy was preceded in death by his sister Patricia Brinkley. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 40 years Kathleen V (Sammons) Garcia; children Jessa Garcia (Mark Pontius), Samantha Simmons (Eric), and Alycia Garcia-Mottinger (Thomas); siblings James Garcia Jr, Mary Lou Allison, Bernie Garcia, Lynne Garcia-Fahringer, and David Garcia; grandchildren Nicole Reed, Phoenix & Lilith Channer, Sunday Pontius, Harper and Logan Simmons, and Evie Deichert; and great-grandson Daxton Schorah.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11am until 1pm on Sunday November 9, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE with a memorial service to begin at 1pm. A celebration of life to follow at American Legion Stahl Post 30, 156 North Dupont Highway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tommy’s honor to Intergroup (www.ndiaa.org), Face the Facts (www.facethefactsusa.org), or the Limen House (www.limenrecovery.org/donate/).
Karen Vied
Tommy was an amazing man full of wisdom! He worked with me hosting H.A.L.O. He was instrumental in everyone understanding, as best we could, the disaster of addiction! Tommy supported everyone! The mom that enabled to the addict that wasn’t ready! He was there with only the wisdom he could share! TIL we meet again my friend! Thank you ♥️
Sheila Peck
To Kathy and all the Garcia family thoughts and prayers for all such a shock but he is in God’s hands now may he R.I.P. 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️The Peck and Hamill families ✝️✝️
Keith Blalock
Was one of the funniest guys I ever met in my life. I really enjoyed playing golf with him over the years. We would always kid each other about who owes $0.50. I’m going to miss you my friend. Rest in peace.
CURT BURNETT
I WILL MISS TOM , WE HAVE A LOT OF HISTORY IN OUR TIME, GOLF ,POOL , BUISNESS, AND LIFE ITSELF. WISH QALL THE GARCIA FAMLY THE BEST. THEY ARE THE BEST OF PEOPLE I HAVE KNOWN. MAY GOD BLESS.
David Herscher
I’m sorry for your loss
Beth Muscolino
My thoughts and prayers are with Tom’s family and friends. I met Tom through Halo a recovery group I attended. He was so understanding and caring.
Annette D'Antonio
Our hearts are full of sadness over the loss of Tommy. We loved spending time together listening to him sing. My dad loved playing golf with Tommy and the entire Garcia family! He will be missed by many!
Thomas Mealey
Praying for Kathy and family and friends.
Speedy
Flat,you will be missed greatly by all who ever met you and have known you. You have left a feeling of friendship to those who life has crossed path with yours. Heaven will now have a big angel to look down upon us all, AMEN my dear longtime friend!
Mark Harrison
Kathy,
Our pool matches were always legendary battles. I love you both very much. I am so sorry for your loss. 🙏
Jerry Alton
Prayers and God Bless your family. Enjoyed shooting ApA with you. Sorry for your loss Kathy. Sending love ❤️.
Lisa Cassetta
Tommy was such a great man. He was funny and a talented guy. My dad loved that man . He was his best friend and I know he will miss him so much. Never saw my dad break down except when he lost my sister until Kathy called. Im sending many prayers to the family. I cannot imagine losing such a downright good person and someone who just makes you happy to be around. See ya in heaven Tom🙏🙏
Judy Gibbons
Kathy and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad and difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss. Many a night I listened to Flat sing his songs. The night we heard of him passing Bobby and I listened to them again. Some songs made me laugh, some made me cry, bringing back memories! He will be missed.
Love Bob & Judy Gibbons
Chaz
Sorry for your loss. He will be deeply missed
Linda Daniels
Kathy and Family I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I loved how during Covid he’d take the stage and sing to us. I hope your memories will help heal your hearts. Sincere Condolences 🙏🏻 Linda Daniels
Patti Deichert
Dearest Kathy, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Tom was a wonderful guy who adored you above all. He was a true family man which was one of his finest qualities. His light will certainly shine brightly in heaven making way for those of us he left behind. God Bless the entire Garcia family.
Chas. Pernot jr.
Very sad news. Thoughts and prayers to Kathy and family.
Joanne Scullion
It is with great sadness that I am writing this. It has been a very long time since I first met Tommy he was a awesome friend to my brother Donnie. He will always have a special place in my heart. I am so sorry for this great loss to all who knew and loved him.
Lynne
I love and admire the man l was lucky enough to call My Brother…l will forever miss him in my life…he is my “Champion for Living the Best Life Possible” through his endless encouragement and example…l will be grateful to him for all of it…love you Tommy…
❤️❤️❤️
Tory Sclafani
I am so saddened by the news of Tom’s passing. He took me under wing at the pool table and patiently taught me some advanced methodology. Great man, great mentor. My heart goes out to Kathy and family. Tom will be missed.
Mary Terranova
To Kathy and your beautiful girls , I am so sorry for this sudden loss . He has left behind a lovely family for you All to hold and love each other and get each other through the hard times . It is hard to believe I have known you and Tommy for almost 45 years . You two were made for each other . What a good man . Love , Mary T
Joe Maloney
I felt that I was in the presence of greatness when we were with Tommy and Kathy when they came to Las Vegas (and Bradenton). In all my years in the gaming business, I have met Hall of Famers in all the professional sports, movie stars, and many world-known celebrities. In all of this, Tommy shines in my heart for the great times we had and stands above them all — at the top. Tommy will be dearly missed by us.
Paul Benson
Going to miss you, good football and softball memories.
Robert Thornhill
Tom was without question one of the most loving and influential people I have ever known. He possessed a remarkable sense of humor and a charisma that could captivate those around him. The love he demonstrated for his family and friends was truly extraordinary. I met Tom when I was 19 years old and stationed at Hof, Germany. I’m so thankful we have remained friends throughout the years. He exemplified the truth that only God can take the worst fact of our life, and turn it into the greatest asset we have to serve Him and others. Even though we were on opposite sides of current politics he did not let that stand in the way of our friendship, and in these days of division I am deeply grateful for this. And Tom’s singing voice!! Just incredible. Tom has always been like a brother to me. I will miss him. But I’m so grateful I got to know him. Tom Garcia truly impacted many lives in a powerful and positive way. Rest in peace my friend.
Mike&Rita Calvetti
To Kathy and the Garcia Family sry to hear about Tom great man will be miss our Condolences 👼🎸🎸
Vickie Bloemer
Deepest sympathy. I lost Larry in February. So I know how real your pain is Kathy. 2 good men. No words would be sufficient. ♥️
Raymond Alexander
It saddens me to hear of Tommy’s passing, my heart goes out to his family. I admired him and looked up to him as most of us did. He was a good guy. No, he was a great guy!
Rob Townsend
My heartfelt condolences to all of Tom’s family. I was truly shocked to hear of his passing; I knew a little of his recent medical issues and thought he would overcome them. I knew Tom for many years primarily through golf and other mutual golf buddies. Although I hadn’t played a round with Tom in the last couple of years, I was hopeful we would have gotten together before years end as it was always a pleasure to play a round with Tom in the group; his sense of humor and game always kept it light and completive. I always thought he was one of the best people I’ve met over the years. R.I.P. my Friend.
Curt Weigand
Sorry for your loss Tom and I came through the apprenticeship nearly 50 years ago. Played on local 542 softball team. He will truly missed
Matthew Anderson
Tom was one of the best men I’ve ever known. So funny and helpful. Love you Tom and many blessings to Kathy and the Girls.
Theresa Candler Day
My sincere condolences to all of the Garcia’s, as we grew up in the same neighborhood. What a wonderful family! I do remember each one of you and your great parents. I am so very sorry that I did not know of Tommy’s passing, as I would have been there personally to express my sympathy. Blessings to All!