“If we live, we live for the Lord and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” Romans 14:8
With deep sorrow, our family announces the peaceful passing of Ruperto “Perto” Calamba Garcia on July 6, 2026 in Tupelo, Mississippi, USA. He is survived by his wife, Matilde Villarosa Garcia; his seven children: Thelma Flores (Ricardo), Perla Acker (Gary), Edwin, Rene Garcia (Jocelyn), Arlene Garcia, Noel Garcia, Edgardo and Lorjen Garcia; grandchildren: Neal and Leigh Marie Burgess, Alberto Jose Flores, Adrian Antonio Flores, Raymond Acker, Gabriel Angelo and Cheska Laine Garcia, Joed and Maria Carmela Ocampo, Celine Angelica Garcia, Christian Ray Garcia, Andre Paulo Garcia, Sophia Lara Garcia, Paula Elaine Garcia, Alyssa Deanne Garcia; great-grandchildren: Ryan Burgess, Hailey Burgess, Ricardo Antonio Flores. He is the fourth child of eleven (11) children of Gavino Garcia and Perpetua Calamba-Garcia.
Born on October 30, 1928, in Malitbog, Southern Leyte Province, Philippines, he came from humble beginnings. The son of a fisherman, he learned early the values of hard work and perseverance. Following the Second World War, his family migrated to Maco town, Davao de Oro Province in search of better opportunities. He finished high school at Davao City High School and one year Business and Finance course in Harvardian College. He also finished a two-year course on marketing management and finance with International Correspondence School (London). While working in Maco, he met and married Matilde in 1950 who hails from La Castellana town, Negros Occidental Province and whose family also migrated to Davao. Together, they were blessed with seven children and made education a priority despite the hardships they faced.
His professional journey began in late 1940s as a shipping clerk with Aguinaldo Development Corporation (ADECOR). In a short time, he rose from the ranks, learned the business and he was granted the stevedoring license by Mr. Aguinaldo himself. Shortly after, he took it upon himself to found Maco Stevedoring Corporation (Mastecor) serving as its President and General Manager during the late 1950s and 1960s. Driven by a deep desire to serve, he was elected as town councilman for twelve years and provincial board member of Davao Province for seven years. Throughout his years in public office, he earned the respect of his colleagues and constituents for his integrity and unwavering commitment to good governance. He remained steadfast in these principles, yet he was equally known for his humility and capacity to forgive even those who had once been his strongest political opponents who had wronged him. A man of faith, he was actively involved in community building and church formation, He generously supported parish initiatives and played a significant role in helping build the church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Maco in early 1960s. He has deep passion for music and loves to sing in his baritone voice. An avid golfer, he also excelled in the sport, winning several tournaments and earning five golf championship trophies throughout his lifetime.
In the early 2000s, he and his wife migrated to the United States of America joining his daughter, Perla Acker, and his son, Dr. Noel Garcia. He finally settled in Houston, Mississippi and later in Tupelo with growing family with the arrival of his daughter, Arlene and son, Edgardo. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a respected businessman, a dedicated public servant and a faithful friend. He was charismatic, full of life and always had a positive outlook towards life. His legacy is found on the values he instilled, the traditions he passed on and the family he nurtured. As our family grieves his passing, we also give thanks to the Almighty Lord for the gift of his long and meaningful life. His memory will forever remain to those who knew and loved him.
A Mass of Death and Resurrection will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at St. James Catholic Church in Tupelo. Visitation will be from 4 PM to 6 PM on Friday, July 10, 2026 at Holland Funeral Directors in Tupelo with a Rosary to follow at 6 PM, and again from 9 AM to service time on Saturday at the church. Burial will take place in the Philippines. Holland Funeral Directors – Tupelo Chapel is honored to serve the family.
Condolences for the family may be posted on Ruperto’s memorial page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com.
