Carlos Luna

Carlos Roberto Luna Santos, 77, passed away on December 19, 2025, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Carlos was born on April 29, 1948, in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, one of twelve children born to Ana and Martín Luna. He was raised in a simple shack house, living off the land without electricity or running water. Those early years shaped him deeply, teaching him resilience, humility, and how to work with his hands. From a young age, Carlos loved building and fixing things, a skill and passion that stayed with him his entire life.

At just 18 years old, Carlos left Puerto Rico in search of work, traveling to Glassboro, New Jersey, as a migrant worker, picking asparagus alongside his brother and a friend. Through years of hard work and careful saving, he was able to help bring his parents and siblings from Puerto Rico to Philadelphia, giving them the opportunity for a better life than the one they had known. This was one of his proudest accomplishments.

Eventually, Philadelphia became home, where he met Maria, the woman who would become his wife, his partner, and the love of his life for the next 53 years. He never wanted to be without her, and he wanted her by his side to the very end.

Carlos was a hardworking, self-taught man who learned to build homes, play musical instruments, cook beautifully, and care for plants with a true green thumb. He loved Spanish music and sports, especially boxing and baseball, and he followed his faith and family traditions closely at home. A vivid dreamer, he enjoyed playing the lottery, always believing in possibility.

He stayed active and strong throughout his life, proudly riding his bike, working out, and forever seeing himself as young, capable, and full of energy. When he relaxed, he enjoyed a cold beer and good company. Carlos had many friends, but his heart belonged to his family. He loved his parents deeply and visited them almost daily. He loved all of his sisters and brothers equally and would protect and help any of them whenever they needed him.

Carlos was the person people called in moments of crisis because everyone knew the answer would be yes. He would show up, no matter what. Helping others was not something he thought about; it was simply who he was.

He was playful, proud, and full of life. He loved to joke and play pranks, whether you liked it or not, and he remained unapologetically himself until the very end. His laughter, warmth, stories of growing up in Puerto Rico, music drifting from his guitar, and joyful spirit filled every room he entered.

Carlos was preceded in death by his parents, Ana and Martín; his sisters Francisca, Carmen, and Nereida; and his brothers Hector, Angel, and José Rafael.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Maria; his daughters Maribel and Anabel, whom he loved fiercely and protected always; his grandchildren Brianna, Adalia, and Lee, who brought him endless pride and joy; and his siblings Raul, Guillo, Lydia, Nellie, and Jose, all of whom he held close to his heart.

Carlos often said, “Para morirse, tiene que estar vivo, y si está vivo, corre peligro,” and, “Si te preocupas, te mueres, y si no te preocupas, te mueres, así que no te preocupes.”

He lived by those words, loving deeply, giving freely, and choosing joy whenever he could.

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