Carlos "Chino" Naranjo

Carlos “Chino” Naranjo, 69, passed away at home on Saturday September 24, 2016. He was born September 25, 1946 to Argelia (Sosa) Naranjo and Mario Naranjo in Habana, Cuba. Carlos Naranjo came to the United States as part of the Pedro Pan group fleeing Cuba in 1962. He is a proud graduate of both Holy Cross High School and holds a B.A. in Political Science & Sociology from the University of New Orleans. On May 10, 1969 he married Miriam Cruz at Sacred Heart Church in New Orleans. Carlos enjoyed science fiction, National Public Radio, classical music, traveling, photography, history & political science and most importantly, quality time with his family. Carlos dedicated nearly 28 years to the Department of Social Services/Office of Community Services (DSS/OCS) and 20 of those years were as a Foster Care supervisor. Following his retirement with DSS/OCS, he worked as a Human Resources Coordinator with Wilco Marsh Buggies, INC. and then as an Ombudsman Coordinator for the Advocacy Center. However, in 2007 a genesis occurred with the relationship Carlos formed with the New Orleans Children’s Health Project (NOCHP). He served as their bilingual case manager, certified medical translator and “honorary doctor.” The NOCHP was an extended family to Carlos, a family he fostered throughout his journey with cancer. In addition to Carlos’ professional endeavors, his advocacy was observed with family, those individuals deemed at risk and his community. His advocacy for those at risk population is observed through his work as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in the Juvenile Court System and as the Ombudsman for Wynhoven Nursing Home. His commitment to community began in the late 1970s when he began coaching at PARD Playground. Carlos’ last season was April 2016 due to symptoms associated with his Pancreatic Cancer. Carlos was also critical in the development of PARD Playground’s Futbal Program serving as the League Coordinator. His influence in the community and the professional arena didn’t go unnoticed because in 2013 he was a recipient of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Angel Award. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation’s Angel Award is an honor bestowed to individuals performing extraordinary work for Louisiana’s at-risk children. Carlos was an inspiration to the scores of people who had the great fortune of working with him. His presence will be greatly missed but his legacy will live on in the children and families he served and his colleagues and students who learned from his tireless compassion. Of utmost importance to Carlos was his Faith. He was actively involved with the Church as evidenced by his weekly attendance, music ministry and liturgical play participation. At the onset of his Pancreatic Cancer diagnosis and throughout the course of treatment, during his hospitalization and as we discussed End of Life Planning, His Faith and Service in Christ and Love of Family offered him Peace and Serenity given he never feared death but awaited the beauty of the Afterlife. Survivors include his wife Miriam; his 2 daughters, Vanessa Naranjo of Belle Chasse, and Jennifer Norman (Troy-Don Norman, son-in-law) of Marrero; 5 grandchildren Devin, Ethan, Brennon, Annelise and Remy; and 1 brother Mayito Naranjo of New Orleans; as well as, Jose Sarrio, his son-in-law of Marrero. Carlos is survived by relatives near and far and countless friends given his endearing charm and the reality that “he never met a stranger.”
A gathering will be held Saturday, October 1st 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a Mass to follow at Visitation of Our Lady Church at 3500 Ames Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072. Family and friends may view and sign the online guest book at www.mothefunerals.com . In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Society.