Teodoro M. Garcia

Biographical Summary

Born as the eldest among 7 siblings, Teodoro Montero Garcia was affectionately known as Ted or Teddy by his loved ones and friends. He showed a deep passion for classical music from a young age that lasted till the last few days of his life as he listened to the song Ave Maria composed by Francisco Santiago.

Inspired by his Catholic upbringing as a young boy, Teodoro joined the church choir and participated during mass services as a sacristan. At the age of 14, he took on the responsibility of working to help provide for his family alongside his mother, Aurora.

On May 23, 1945, during the Philippine Commonwealth, Teodoro enlisted in the Military Police with the rank of Private in the American Unit that served under the United States Armed Forces of the Far East (USAFFE). He later served as a Technical Sergeant assigned to G-2 (Intelligence) in the field, undertaking secret missions as a guerrilla in plain clothes in Bukidnon, Mindanao. His unwavering courage and dedication to his country were evident as he fought with both the Philippine and American forces during World War II. After the war, together with other Filipino soldiers of WW II, Teodoro was presented with The Philippine Liberation Medal. He retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel in the Philippine Constabulary after a distinguished career of service.

Teodoro's selfless sacrifices and contributions to his country as a WW II veteran did not go unnoticed. In January 2019, at Fort McKinley in San Francisco, CA, he became one of the recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal (CGM), an award that honors the more than 250,000 Filipinos who fought with the American troops from July 1941 to December 1946.

On March 10, 2023, at the age of 100, this man who loved God, his country, and his family peacefully passed away. Throughout his life, in the military and as a civilian, Teodoro demonstrated his integrity, conviction, and faith. He instilled his love and trust in God in his children and left behind a legacy that would endure.

Teodoro Montero Garcia is survived by his loving wife of 76 years, Margarita O. Garcia, 8 of their 11 children, 21 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.