Carlos Lemuel Flores

Carlos L. Flores, 77 of Sun City Center passed away peacefully May 1, 2026 at the South Bay Shore Hospital. Born February 18, 1949 and raised in Brooklyn, NY, he liked to be called “Charlie”.

As a teenager, during the illness of his mother, his family relocated to Puerto Rico, where he and his siblings were separated. The loss of his mother at the age of 15 deeply impacted him and marked a challenging time in his life. While there, he graduated from Escuela Superior Ladislao Martinez de Vega Alta. Soon after, he returned to Brooklyn to begin working and build a new life. Answering the call to serve his country, he enlisted in the United States Army on August 14, 1967, and deployed during the Vietnam War beginning January 13, 1968. He played a role in his infantry unit by operating the M60 machine gun during combat missions. Carlos never forgot the day when his friend went into battle on his behalf because he had stepped on a nail and developed a bad foot infection. His friend lost his life on that patrol. Carlos was devastated and never forgot what his friend did for him. His tour in Vietnam ended on January 10, 1969. He was honorably discharged on August 13, 1970.

Carlos persevered in his professional career and personal life. He worked at Martin Marietta in Orlando, FL during the 1990s, while completing a Bachelor of Science from Florida Southern College in 1988 with immense pride. He later moved to Campbell, Ohio to start a new life. He worked as a computer programmer at Mercy Me- St. Joseph Warren Hospital in Ohio and later relocated back to Florida and worked as a health service representative with the Florida Department of Health until his retirement.

He was a whiz with anything tech-related, loved singing along to his favorite oldies, and never missed a chance to dance merengue at family parties. A passionate sports fan, he loved watching LeBron James and following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Known for a sharp wit and great sense of humor, he drew people together and brightened every room. He was also generous with his time and always lent a hand whenever family or friends needed him. He loved making a pork roast for every holiday and took special joy in the children in his family, who adored him in return. Deeply compassionate, he was always eager to help those in need and brought warmth and laughter to every gathering. He was a man of quiet, unseen faith; trusting that God exists and acts, even when there is no visible evidence — and he held on to hope despite difficult circumstances or lack of immediate results.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carlos Flores Rivera and Inocencia Roman Flores and sister Priscilla “Peachie” Flores. Carlos is survived by his son Richard Flores, his daughter Alesandra Morar; siblings Lillian Toti, and Rebecca, Damaris, Danny, Raquel, and Juanita Flores; grandchildren Richard Jr. and Anthony Flores, Emmanuel Ortiz, and Sara, Marissa, JohnDavid and Benjamin Morar.

His beautiful smile and quiet spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, if you feel led, consider donating to harbormomentum.org an organization that helps keep siblings together when facing foster care.

A Celebration Of Life will be held at the Elton Beard Family Cabin in the Boardman Park in Mahoning County, Ohio from 12pm to 4 pm on July 19,2026.