José Luis Garriga was born on September 15, 1936, in Pinar del Rio, Cuba to José Garriga and Rosa Perez. On September 22, 2023, at the age of 87, he passed on; absent in the body, present with the Lord.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carmen, and his 9 children--daughters , Maria, Roxanne, Nora, Camille, Elizabeth with husband Teodross, Rosa and sons Joshua with wife Greisy, Benjamin and Joseph with wife Amaia, along with eight grandchildren, Steven Michael, Daniel José, Abigail Grace, Elena Carmen, Gabriel James, Aubree Marie, Joseph Lewis Jr., and Jaxson Joseph. He had 11 brothers and sisters.

After immigrating from Cuba, he lived in Dominican Republic, Spain,  and Puerto Rico, then settled in Hamden, CT. He worked as a machinist at Hamden Steel and United Aluminum and never missed a day of work. Larger than life, Jose was a gregarious, natural storyteller, able to charm anyone wherever he went and bring a smile to their face. A gifted craftsman, he also had a passion for history, politics, science, and world events. He loved listening to Christian music, and studying the Bible and loved to engage in discussions about it, as well as, politics,  world events and history. He also loved geography and collected maps, continually teaching himself about areas of the world that interested him. He often enjoyed listening to a transistor radio to stay connected to the world.   He was incredibly generous and always strived to help family, friends, and others.

Most importantly, Jose was a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ  and a family man who was always guided by his enduring faith. He was and always will be the solid rock foundation of his family. His wife, children, and grandchildren will sorely miss him and will continue to celebrate his beautiful legacy.

A viewing will be held at Hamden Memorial on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 in Hamden Memorial Funeral Home, 1300 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden from 4-7pm. On Wednesday September 27, 2023 in Hamden Memorial Funeral Home, Visitation from 10-11am, Funeral Service to start at 11am. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at www.hamdenmemorialfuneralhome.com