Genaro “Papi” (Geno) Garcia Von Lembcke, age 74, of Columbus, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on January 10, 2019, surrounded by his family. Born June 9, 1944 in Callao, Peru to the late Ignacio and Luzmila (Lembcke) Garcia Lapsley. Geno and his wife of 51 years came to the United States filled with rich Peruvian culture and less than $100 in their pocket in search of the American dream.
Through hard work and perseverance, he opened several businesses, and it was Garcia’s Internationale and Jack & Benny’s restaurants that became his ultimate success. Prior to opening the restaurant, Geno was a four-year soccer letterman at The Ohio State University with a military science degree; served in the U.S. Army, member of the Ohio State University Army ROTC and served for the Ohio Defense Corp. While running successful businesses, he was actively involved in the first Ohio Hispanic Coalition to support a community of immigrants; active member of the University Masonic Lodge (#631) of Ohio; founding father of Columbus Futsal.
Our patriarch, Geno will be dearly missed and his wife, Rosita. Their legacy will live on through their children by continuing to pursue the American dream. The Garcia family would like to thank the Ohio State University Medical staff and the staff at the Kobacker House to make Geno’s transition a beautiful experience.
Preceded in death by his father, Ignacio Garcia Lapsley; his mother, Luzmila Lembcke Garcia, grandparents, Ricardo and Luzmila (Pineda) Lembcke, Genaro and Juanita (Lapsley) Garcia; wife, Rosita De Garcia; younger brothers, Carlos and Juan Garcia; and younger sister, Vilma Thorton. Survived by children, Ignacio “Iggy” (Suzanne), Rosa (Ben) Burnam, Genaro (Hilda), Bice (Bob) Dolciato, Liberty (Andrew) DeBellis, Gabriel, and Olivia (Mark) Brand; grandchildren, Dante (Malissa), Marquelle (Jacob), Giovanni, Sean, Quinlan, Adriana, Marissa, Michael, Valentino, and Theodore; great-grandchildren, Ashton, Madden, Milano, Liliana, Francesco, and Leonardo; siblings, Ana (Victor) Alvarez, Fernando (Mary Ann), Patricia (Rick) Critchfield, Mauro (Mimi), Martiza (Carlos) Camacho, Jorge (Patricia) and Romulo (Andrea); and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call at Rutherford – Corbin Funeral Home, 515 High Street, Worthington, Tuesday, January 15, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Prayer Service 6:30 p.m.) Friends and family are welcome to participate in an indigenous drum ceremony following the prayer service.
Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 a.m. January 16, 2019 at Holy Name Catholic Church, 154 E. Patterson Ave. , Columbus, OH 43202. Father Antonio Carvalho, Celebrant.
Interment Union Cemetery. The Garcia family welcome friends and family at Gallo’s Tap Room on Bethel Rd. to celebrate Geno’s life at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the children request donations be made to the Kobacker House, 800 McConnell Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43214 in remembrance of Geno Garcia Von Lembcke, so other families can be supported like they were. To view the full obituary please visit www. rutherfordfuneralhome.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Genaro Garcia Von Lembcke please visit our Sympathy Store.
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