Rodney James Garcia

Rodney James Garcia, a former Lab employee, died at his home in Oakdale, Dec. 18. He was 42.

Born Nov. 26, 1967, in Walnut Creek to Miguel Garcia and Kathy Polzin, he grew up in Tracy and moved to Oakdale in 2003 to raise his family.

Garcia’s career spanned more than 20 years as a hazardous waste management technician at the Laboratory.

For many years, he served as a coach to the Tracy Raiders and the Oakdale Redskins football teams.

He also was totally committed to the Oakland Raiders. Even when the team couldn’t win a game, it didn’t matter; it was all about being a member of the nation.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Clara Tutor.

Garcia is survived by his former wife and best friend, Kathy Jones-Garcia; sons, Dylan and Drake Garcia; parents, Miguel Garcia and Kathy Polzin; brothers Juan and Gonzalo Garcia; sister Maribel Garcia; uncle Ben Tutor; aunt Lisa Naumu; many cousins, nieces and nephews; and many friends in and around Tracy, Oakdale and Livermore.

Funeral services for Garcia were held Dec. 28 in Tracy.