Carlos Vazquez

CARLOS VAZQUEZ (age 90), born in Canton, Ohio, died peacefully at his beloved home on January 24, 2022. Loving and devoted husband of Karen (Kozak-Carter) Vazquez; father to Jose (Heather); “Pops” to Tony (Mary); “Dad” to Tom (Becky); stepdad to Jenni (Todd); grandpa to Jacob and Alex; PaPa to Amanda, Zachary, Emily, and Cassidy; abuelo to Bryce (RIP), Alayna, Alexya and Adrian (Rachel); predeceased by twin brother, José and his late wives Delores and Rose. Carlos is also survived by sisters-in-law & brothers-in-law—Paula and Tim, Pat and Mike, Carmella and Rick; nieces and nephews—Carl (Lisa), Elisabeth (Doug), Hannah, Kyle (Kayla) and Alexys; Gruncle to Matilda and Elliot as well as many, many cherished friends.

A 1954 graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art, Carlos began his career in Mansfield, Ohio as an apprentice at Fuller, Smith & Ross. As Michigan job opportunities arose, he was hired at Campbell Ewald then worked at Ross Roy for a bit. He finished his career with Campbell Ewald, retiring after 30 years, as a Senior Art Director on the Chevrolet account.

As an accomplished artist, Carlos spent multiple hours sketching, doodling, and painting. He was very creative and multi-talented. His sense of humor was often demonstrated in his cartoon drawings and his enthusiasm for sports was exhibited in VAZ Company which carried a line of t-shirts and mugs of his original hockey designs. Carlos also crafted beautiful stained-glass work, along with canvases of nature, animals, and seascapes.

Carlos enjoyed watching pro and college basketball and football, most especially Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. A golf tournament on TV was another favorite as that was his sport for over 50 years! He played regularly with his “golf group” buddies and, also teed it up on the courses of Kapalua, Hawaii and the Dominican Republic. He was an avid movie watcher, gin and poker player, reader, great dancer, and liked the challenge of a crossword puzzle or word search. His four-legged companion, Pearl, captured his heart; you would often see them together on the deck, enjoying the great outdoors of our yard which we loved.

A Memorial Gathering will be held Saturday, February 12, 2022, beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at Noon. This celebration of Carlos’ life will be held at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Drive, Rochester, Michigan. There will be a private burial in Canton, Ohio at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made in his name to the Cleveland Institute of Art or the Michigan Humane Society.

To leave an online condolence, Carlos Vazquez Memorial Website