Francisco Oscar Garcia

Francisco “Frank” Oscar Garcia Treto, professor emeritus of religion, died on March 6, 2025. He was 88. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, minister, professor, and friend, he leaves behind a legacy of faith, scholarship, and love.

Born in Cárdenas, Cuba, to Francisco de la Paz Garcia Serpa and Zoila Treto de Garcia, Francisco’s early years were shaped by his father’s ministry and his family’s deep commitment to education. When his father became pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Havana, the family relocated, and Francisco and his sister, Zoila, attended the Methodist Central Elementary School, where they learned English. He later graduated from La Progresiva Presbyterian School in 1956 before pursuing higher education.

Francisco’s academic journey took him from Santa Clara University to Maryville College, where he graduated in 1959 after Cuban leader Fulgencio Batista closed universities. He continued his theological studies at Princeton Theological Seminary from 1959-66, where he started the first Hispanic student organization and later served on the Board of Directors. In 1967, he became a U.S. citizen, embracing his new home while maintaining a deep connection to his Cuban heritage.

In 1961, Francisco married Mary Emma McClure, with whom he shared two beloved children, Francisco Albert and Mary Margaret. Following Mary’s passing in 1996, he found love again with Bonnie Lee Flake, whom he married in 1999, becoming a devoted stepfather to Richard and Matthew Flake.

Francisco’s professional career spanned four decades at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, where he joined the faculty in 1966 and later served as chair of the Department of Religion. As a professor, he was a guiding light to countless students, inspiring them with his deep knowledge and passion for religious studies. Even after retiring as professor emeritus in 2006, he remained an active scholar, publishing works on the history of the Hispanic Presbyterian Church and biblical education.

A true Renaissance man, Francisco was a polyglot, an avid traveler, and a gifted photographer. His journeys took him across the world, from the Middle East and South Africa to Spain, Italy, Alaska, Japan, Germany, and the Mediterranean. His love of travel and photography merged beautifully, as he captured and shared breathtaking moments from his adventures. His love of cooking, especially traditional Spanish and Cuban dishes like paella and picadillo, was a gift he learned from his mother and passed down to his children. He was also deeply involved in his church, teaching Sunday school and engaging in ministry until the very end.

Francisco is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his sister, Zoila (Osvaldo), and their extended family; his children, Francisco (Kelly) and Mary Margaret (Jeff); his stepsons, Richard (Dai) and Matthew (Lina); and his cherished grandchildren: Francisco Scott Garcia, Riley Walker Garcia, Austin Flake, Jeffrey Aidan Bisaillon, Sydney Flake, Emma Grace Bisaillon, Ewa Flake, Henry Flake, and George Flake.

Francisco’s passing leaves an immeasurable void not only in the hearts of his family but also in the communities he touched. He lived a life of purpose, curiosity, and generosity, always teaching, always learning, and always sharing his wisdom with those around him. He will be profoundly missed but forever remembered.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 29, at 1 p.m. at University Presbyterian Church, 300 Bushnell Avenue, San Antonio, Texas 78212 to celebrate his extraordinary life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to University Presbyterian Church online or by mailing your donation to the church at the address above, and marked with “Frank Garcia Memorial.”