Carlos Sotero

In Loving Memory of Carlos Sotero
August 23, 1937 – May 31, 2026

A Life Full of Joy, Strength, and Style
It’s rare for the passing of someone nearly 89 years old to feel unexpected, but with Carlos
Sotero, it truly did. He was still thriving—singing, dancing, sharp as ever, and full of life. To his
family, he was “Pops” and “Popcorn,” nicknames he wore with pride and humor.

Early Life
Carlos was born in Guayama, Puerto Rico, to Francisco and Justina Sotero, and grew up with his
sister, Gloria. Much of his childhood was spent on the island, though he also lived in the Bronx
during his teen years, where his father worked as a bus driver.
As a boy, Carlos was athletic, fast, and musically gifted. He excelled in track and field and
baseball, and he performed in a band—singing, dancing, and playing the bongos. Even then, he
was charming and handsome, a true “Rico Suave” in the making.

A Life Changing Discovery
At 18, Carlos learned he had been adopted when he was contacted by his biological brother,
Eduardo. He discovered he had four full brothers, one full sister, and many half siblings. His
biological parents were Viviano and Petra Vázquez.
Though the revelation was difficult, Carlos eventually embraced both sides of his family.
However, he remained especially close to his adoptive father, Francisco; they wrote to each other
weekly until Francisco’s passing. The emotional upheaval of his adoption discovery propelled
Carlos to join the United States Air Force, beginning a journey that would take him around the
world and shape the rest of his life.

Love, Family, and Military Life

While stationed in France, Carlos met Rose Marguerite Kindleberger in a nightclub. Rose was
stunning—magnetic, stylish, and blessed with that unmistakable “je ne sais quoi.” They bonded
instantly over music and dancing. They married and had three children: Gloria, Martine, and
Carlos.
Like many military families, they moved often, both within the United States and abroad. They
built a home wherever they landed, even during the Vietnam era, when military families received
far less support and recognition than they do today.
One of Carlos’s most unforgettable assignments was a year in Kotzebue, Alaska—33 miles north
of the Arctic Circle, where the sun doesn’t set during the summer. The “island boy” first arrived
in Anchorage on March 27, 1964, the day of the largest earthquake ever recorded in North
America – a 9.2 magnitude event. He was immediately thrust into rescue and aid efforts. The
experience of the earthquake and devastation he witnessed stayed with him for the rest of his life,
long before PTSD was widely understood.
After 20 years of service, Carlos retired from the Air Force and began a second career as a loan
officer at Davis Monthan Credit Union in Tucson, Arizona where he worked until his retirement.

Life After Service
In 2013, Carlos lost his beloved wife, Rose, just a year after they moved to San Diego to be
closer to their daughters. He later settled into a retirement community in Coronado, where he
remained for the rest of his life.
During these years, he truly came into his own as a father and grandfather. He was endlessly
proud and grateful for his children and texted them every morning to tell them he loved them. He
enjoyed many a healthy banter with his son-in-law, Mark and even shaved his head in support of
his daughter-in-law, Tina, when she successfully battled cancer. He delighted in watching his
granddaughters, Livi and Gigi, grow up, sharing inside jokes and secret hand gestures. He was
especially proud when they were old enough to drive and take him to appointments and delighted in 
being the only older guy in the waiting room with the young beauties. He cherished calls and messages
from his grandsons, Benicio and Mariano, especially their shared love of music – the same love
that first brought him and Rose together.
Carlos also enjoyed unforgettable experiences—sitting on the sidelines of a San Diego Chargers
game, cheering for his beloved San Francisco Giants at Petco Park, and fulfilling a lifelong
dream of flying in a World War II B17.

A Man of Curiosity, Charm, and Heart

Carlos stayed sharp, engaged, and endlessly curious. He kept up with history, current events, and
politics. He performed by request at his retirement community, ordered from Amazon with ease,
and navigated the internet like a pro.
He remained charismatic, funny, and kind—still handsome, still stylish, still “Rico Suave” to the
end. He took impeccable care of his skin, dressed well, wore the trendiest colognes, and
maintained his signature hairstyle every single day.
Carlos remembered people. He listened deeply. He stayed in touch. He was proud of his Puerto
Rican and American heritage and of his service to his country. He thanked every service member
he encountered, without fail.

Forever Loved
We were blessed to have him for so long, but selfishly, we hoped for more. He is deeply missed,
yet he will be remembered with smiles, laughter, and love—because that’s how everyone
pictures him: with that fabulous smile, that unmistakable humor, and of course, that great coif.

¡Bien hecho, Pops! Te queremos mucho y te extraño para siempre.

Bonham Bros. & Stewart Mortuary and Cremation Service assisted the family.

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