Master Sergeant Carlos A. Lupercio, Sr., USMC (Retired), age 85, of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2026. Born in the shadow of the Texas State Capitol in downtown Austin on February 4, 1941, he was the son of Antonio and Sarah Lupercio.
From an early age, Carlos showed a tireless work ethic, shining shoes on Sixth Street and hauling blocks of ice as a young boy.
Later, he tested his grit as a teenage boxer. He met Mary Hernandez in 1957, and they married at St. Julia's Catholic Church on April 9, 1961. Following his older brother Tony, Carlos joined the United States Marine Corps, serving honorably for more than 21 years, including two tours of duty in Vietnam. His career took the family to California, Hawaii, North Carolina, Missouri, and Tennessee before they returned home to Austin in 1976. Carlos and Mary raised three children and shared 43 beautiful years of marriage before her passing in 2004.
Never one to remain idle, Carlos began his civilian career as Payroll Supervisor for Seton Hospital, where he worked for 17 years. After retiring again, he returned to the familiar hands-on work he learned from his father, a plumber, as a deeply respected local contractor, rebuilding and repairing hundreds of homes throughout Austin.
Carlos was blessed to find love again when he met Lupe Zuniga in 2005. They married in 2012 and remained devoted companions, with Carlos becoming a beloved, supportive father figure to her family. In his later years, Lupe cared for him with strength, dedication, and love through several health issues. Above all, Carlos fiercely protected and proudly supported his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He leaves a legacy of laughter, resourcefulness, unshakeable dedication to those he loved, and countless stories.
Carlos is survived by his wife, Lupe Z. Lupercio; his children, Dianne Ng (Nathan) of Kaneohe, HI, Sarah Lupercio (Joe Silva), and Carlos Lupercio, Jr.; his bonus children, Leticia Alaniz (Michael Barratechea), Minerva Zuniga, Jesse Espinoza (Edna), Robert Espinoza, and Cindy Burnam (Ray); sisters Peggy Herrera (Paul), Irene Holguin (Omar), and Linda No (Kwang); brother-in-law Efrain Cavillo; sister-in-law Patricia Estorga (Marshall); 18 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Lupercio; his parents; his brothers, Master Sergeant Tony “Pops” Lupercio, Jr., USMC (Retired), and Robert Lupercio; Tony’s wife, Antonia “Toni”; his sister, Adele Cavillo; and granddaughter Anela Ng.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery, 14501 N Interstate Hwy 35, with a rosary to follow at 7:00 P.M.
Mass services will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, 1520 North Railroad Avenue, Pflugerville, Texas. Interment with military honors will follow at Cook-Walden Memorial Hill Cemetery. Food and fellowship will take place following the interment at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Funeral Home at 12:00 P.M.
Honoring Carlos as pallbearers are his nephews Mark Estorga, David Lupercio, Gunnery Sergeant Vincent Lupercio, USMC (Retired), Steven Herrera, Omar Holguin, and Patrick Holguin, with Richard Herrera serving as alternate.
The family is deeply grateful for the love and prayers offered during this difficult time. Carlos will remain forever in our hearts.
