Carlos Sanchez Ortiz

Carlos Alberto Sanchez Ortiz, 59 of Kissimmee, Fl formerly of East Haven and Branford, CT passed away peacefully surrounded by his husband, family and friends on Friday, October 25, 2024. He was the loving husband of 30 years of Wayne Palmer (East Haven Firefighter/Paramedic- Retired). Carlos was born on September 21, 1965 in Santurce, Puerto Rico to the late Rosa M. Ortiz and Benigno Sanchez. He lived a life full of love and laughter, and was loved by everyone who met him. Carlos was a bright light, who had a personality that would bring a smile to anyone he talked to, to know him was to love him. Carlos was a master of style, he was always dressed to impress, from his clothes, to his shoes, he always wore outfits that made a statement. Carlos will be remembered for so many things, but mostly for his big smile, his infectious laugh, and his words of encouragement for everyone to have a smile on their faces to start the day. Carlos was famous for his love of taking pictures, and everyone who he was with better have been ready for a photo op. Carlos was also known for his love of The Lord, and his Christian worship and singing. He became a well-known Christian singer, producing many albums with his producer and friend Eric Lopez, he earned a Gold Record in 1992 for record of the year for his song “De Mosle Gloria”. He lived his dream and sang live on stage with Patti Labelle, and opened up for Michael English. Together, Carlos and Wayne loved to travel, loved to go out to eat, and spend time with family and friends, especially Carlos’s “kidney sister” April Capone, who he loved as his own sister, Liz and Mike Fimiani, Michele Vuolo, Elizabeth Forcier, Ralph Vuolo Jr. Michael and Mark Vuolo, and Alyssa Forcier. Carlos always looked forward to all of the firehouse parties and get-togethers with their firehouse family, they were all very special to him, and he loved them all. Prior to retirement, Carlos worked for The Starter Corporation in New Haven from 1995-1999, then for Kilstrom Corian from 1999-2002, then he went to work for Rt 80 Lumber as an office manager from 2002-2021, where he retired from. While working at RT 80 Lumber, the staff there knew how meticulously organized he was, and would move something on his desk every morning to drive him crazy. After Carlos and Wayne retired, they moved to Florida, there, they enjoyed spending time with “El Grupito” especially with his dear friend Felix Rodriguez, and worshiping at United Church of Christ CDRC Ebenezer in Lakeland. Besides his Husband Wayne, he is survived by their son James Sanchez-Palmer, his siblings Carmen (Jose) Santos, Rey Jose Sanchez, Edgar Sanchez, and Madeline Sanchez. He is predeceased by his parents, a brother Luis Benigno Sanchez and his beloved dogs, Ramsey, Roxxy and Prince. A visitation will be held in Florida on WEDNESDAY October 30, 2024 from 4pm-8pm at his church- United Church of Christ CDRC Ebenezer 1312 E. Memorial Blvd Lakeland, FL. Also a visitation in Connecticut on SUNDAY November 3, 2024 from 1pm-4pm at East Haven Memorial Funeral Home, 425 Main St East Haven, CT 06512. Burial will be private and at the convenience of his family. A gathering with food and refreshments will be at the East Haven Fire Department Station #3 will be held immediately after the visitation on Sunday, all are encouraged to attend. Memorial contributions in Carlos’s honor can be made to one of his most passionate causes- St. Jude Children’s Hospital. To Honor Carlos’s memory, please sign up to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor at www.registerme.org.

Carlos Sanchez Ortiz

September 21, 1965 - October 25, 2024