Carlos Mauricio Mairena, Sr.

With hearts full of love and sorrow, we remember Carlos Mauricio Mairena, Sr., who passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, at MUSC in Columbia, South Carolina, surrounded by the people who meant the most to him—his family. At 56 years old, Carlos leaves behind a legacy of devotion, faith, and unwavering love.  

Carlos was born on December 24, 1968, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, the cherished son of Olga (Mendoza) Merchant. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where he was lovingly raised by Olga and her husband, Maricano Merchant.  Carlos was also called son by his in-laws, Killis Purnell, Jr. and Sara D Purnell.  

In Charleston, South Carolina, Carlos met the love of his life, Monisa Vinay Purnell, and from that moment forward, their hearts were bound together. Married for 34 wonderful years, they built a home overflowing with laughter, faith, and joy, raising three beautiful children and later becoming “Pop-Pop” to his greatest treasures—his grandchildren. Carlos’ love for his family was fierce, steady, and endless.  

Carlos served his country with pride in the United States Navy from 1990 to 2000, carrying the values of honor, commitment, and resilience into every part of his life. After his service, he continued to give his best in every role he held—whether at Verizon Wireless, LPL Financial, or the United States Postal Service. No matter where life took him, Carlos touched hearts with his kindness, his humor, and his ability to make everyone feel like family.  

He is deeply loved and will be forever remembered by his wife, Monisa; his children Pierre Omar Purnell, Corlissa Monay Mairena, and Carlos Mauricio Mairena, Jr. (Goretty Sarai Mairena); and his beloved grandchildren, Junie Lilliana Mairena Williams and Penelope Esmeray Mairena, who brought him endless joy as “Pop-Pop.”  

Carlos’ memory also lives on through his brothers, Anthony Pérez (Cesiah Johana Pérez) and Yanick Noe Merchant; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Killis Purnell III; his niece and nephews, Makayla Monique Pérez, Malik Anthony Pérez, and Jevon Purnell; and countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends who will carry his spirit forward.  

Carlos’ life was a reflection of love in action—love for his family, for his community, and for everyone blessed enough to cross his path. His laughter, his strength, and his embrace will be missed beyond measure, but his legacy will live on in every story, every smile, and every heart he touched.  

A memorial service and reception will be held at the family home on October 12, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.  Friends and loved ones are invited to gather in celebration of Carlos’ life and are encouraged to bring handwritten memories, which will be collected into a tribute scrapbook to honor the beautiful legacy he leaves behind.