Iggy Garcia

The name Iggy Garcia conjures a smile from everyone; he embodied the traits of a “good person” with his loyalty, dignity, respect, morals, a good heart, and good character.  Iggy is simply synonymous with the definition of being a selfless individual.

Iggy Garcia, a proud Cuban American who loved and embraced his cultural heritage was a loving husband, father, son, brother, friend, and dedicated police officer; always finding the positive in any situation, “positive thoughts” was his motto.

Ignacio J. “Iggy” Garcia, Jr., 46, of Sutton, fought and championed through his courageous battle against pancreatic cancer with determination to continue to live in faith knowing it was in Gods hands. Iggy peacefully entered the glory of Heaven on Saturday, September 4, 2021, in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by those he loved.

Iggy is survived by his loving family, including his wife, Shana Garcia; a son, Dezi J. Garcia of Worcester; two daughters, Lucia M. Garcia of Worcester, and Giuliana C. Garcia of Sutton; his parents, Ignacio J. and Haydee (Torres) Garcia of Worcester; a sister, Yusimy “Yusi” Trotto and her husband Michael Trotto, Jr. of Worcester; a niece, Arriane Kladas and her husband Steve of Worcester, a nephew, Michael Azzarone and his wife Kathleen of Holden; father and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Linda (Slovin) Belsito of Worcester; two brothers in law, Nicholas Belsito and his long time girlfriend Ashley Proietti, and Jason Belsito and his wife Elise Babigian, all of Worcester; his best friend and wing man, James R. Blanchard of Whitinsville and many cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and his brothers and sisters in uniform.  He was predeceased by his nephew, Matthew Kachadoorian.  Born in Worcester, Iggy graduated from Holy Name High School and was attaining his Bachelor’s degree from Westfield State University.

Iggy was a dedicated officer, in the gang unit, with the Worcester Police Department for the past seventeen years and was passionate about his work and those he worked with side by side.  He was dedicated to giving back to the youth of the city and played a major part in the WPD Gang Unit “PAAL” basketball league. The league provides a safe and healthy venue for male youth to gather and play in an organized team sport to foster positive interaction between police and the participants. In honor of Iggy, a sportsmanship award will be dedicated in his name yearly. This award will be presented by the Worcester Police Athletic and Activities League to an athlete that embodies all the characteristics that Iggy instilled in these young men.

A city boy by birth, he had a taste for country music and loved his home in “the country”, where he and his family raised chickens and enjoyed quiet times surrounded by family and great friends.  Iggy enjoyed golf, coaching his son in baseball, spending time at the beach, especially on Cape Cod and Myrtle Beach, living life to the fullest. He proudly followed his son Dezi touring local venues, always at the head of the crowd with a Michelob Ultra in hand, enjoying his talent for music. Iggy took great pride in his daughter Lucia attending the University of Massachusetts. He would often praise her dedication and outstanding academic achievement. Iggy loved to engage in all childlike activities with his youngest Giuliana, from hide and seek to swimming, holding her feet across the monkey bars, playing tag, pillow fights, riding bikes, taking hikes, living room dance parties and mowing the lawn together and most recently taking up golf. He thoroughly enjoyed watching his children grow.

He impacted many lives and he lived by the Golden Rule of doing unto others as you’d have done to you.  He dedicated himself to his family, his community and to God.  He will be missed but the positive impact he made on so many, will long be remembered.

The family would like to thank Dr. Leah Biller and her incredible care team at Dana Farber for the compassionate care shown to Iggy and the family.  A special thanks to Notre Dame Hospice and their nurses for making Iggy comfortable and allowing him to remain at home to be with family in his last days. 

The family would also like to thank Dr. Belanger from Lexington Natural Health for treating Iggy with alternative therapies in addition to traditional treatments while battling Pancreatic Cancer.  Dr. Bellanger's approach to treatment was don with great commitment, patience, and empathetic bedside manner.  His knowledge, teachings, attentiveness, and tailored individual care throughout this fight will forever be appreciated by the family.

Calling Hours will be on Friday, September 10, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (masks required) at MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. 

His Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, September 11, at 10 a.m. (masks required in church) at Saint Bernard’s Church of Our Lady of Providence Parish, 228 Lincoln Street, Worcester (Please go directly to church, starting at 9 a.m. and enter the parking lot via Paine Street). Interment will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester.

The Mass will be “live streamed” and can be viewed by visiting www.olpworcester.org.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to The Jimmy Fund, by visiting www.jimmyfund.org .