As I sit here, I find it very difficult to write something that will even come close to paying tribute to Carlos and his spirit. With all the daily turmoils of adult life, thoughts of Carlos and the childhood we spent with the Casales family have always brought a smile to my heart. Carlos and I were the "added" siblings and we would tag along to all the family outings together, whether planned or spur of the moment. When Carlos and I last saw each other, we couldn't help but reminisce about the by now infamous Disney Trip, the party we had to send him off to the Navy, the ABBA Karaoke/Dance shows, and many other instances that made our teen years special. He was the first boy to dedicate a song to me, and to this day, Hall & Oates still hold a dear place in my heart. Carlos was a sensitive soul. To me, this was his crowning glory. I remember talking for hours with him on anything and everything. He was a deeply loving and caring soul, proudly telling me about his nephew, and giving me updates on Barbie, whom he adored. He was a good son. He was a loyal and true friend. Dearest Carlos, you touched a lot of people very deeply, and that is, I think, the most that we can do in this earth. To leave a trace of ourselves in other's hearts. This you have done, and you have done it profoundly. You will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. Virginia and Barbie, may God grant you peace, strength and serenity. May you bask in the knowledge that Carlos was loved and that he left his mark in this world. We are all blessed for having been allowed to share in his life. I am confident that God is smiling upon him.
Posted by: Marilyn Talleda Miami, FL   Nov 23, 2009

There is no way to convey properly the deep loss and sorrow that Carlos' passing has brought. My mind may tell me that I have lost a longtime and good friend, but my heart tells me that I have lost a brother. I take comfort in having been able to express my love for Carlos when I visited him in June. I hugged his neck and we were able to spend time reminiscing and talking about subjects trivial and profound. I remember the time when we first met Carlos as this skinny kid who was a classmate of my brother Jesse's at Arturo Montori. Over the years we shared plenty of laughter and even a little pain. My fondest memories of Carlos: the trip we took to Disney World so many years ago, weekend sleepovers, the Arturo Montori school band marching in a parade, limbo contests, chugalugging soda, the Navy sendoff, dressing up for Halloween, making noise, lousy breakfasts, late-night film noir festivals, and discussions about film adaptations of stories by Edgar Allan Poe. Carlos is unique and I know I cannot possibly forget him, ever. My life has been blessed by having known him. I love you, Carlos. Very much.
Posted by: Jorge Casales Cumming, GA   Nov 21, 2009

Carlos was my friend for more than 25 years. We met in Arlington, Virginia at the Defense Communications Agency where we were both stationed on active duty with the USNavy. After my discharge and while Carlos was stationed in Groton, CT we met for a 3 day weekend in Carlos' most beloved city, New York City. Through the next several years he visited me in Arizona three times and I visited him in Miami twice - including just 2 months ago. Carlos was always a good listener and always good for advice. He was extremely well read in all genres and he wrote and recited beautiful poetry. Carlos was also a huge movie buff. When we were together we always enjoyed each others company while dining out, going to movies and generally having fun. I will miss Carlos very much and I send my condolences to his family especially his sweet mother Virginia, his beautiful sister Barbie and his special cousin Albert.
Posted by: Bonnie Gilson Phoenix, AZ   Nov 21, 2009