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Carlos Mercado Obituary
Rochester - A life-long New Yorker with one exception along the way, Carlos was born in the Bronx, NYC, lived his early years in Philadelphia, attended high school in Auburn, NY, and graduated from Colgate University in Hamilton, NY.
Upon moving to Rochester in 1968, he married his first wife Wendy Kellogg and spent much of his career in banking, both at Lincoln Rochester Trust Company and Marine Midland. He then moved on to a variety of occupations including President of the Greece Chamber of Commerce.
At the time of his passing, he was active in Visit Rochester which gave him the opportunity to show off his knowledge, love and passion of and for his hometown.
A true Renaissance Man, Carlos was an avid reader, world traveler, music and animal lover, and excelled as a volunteer for many local, national and international organizations. He had many passions to which he devoted time and countless hours, including Christ Church (downtown), and the South Wedge Mission.
He also served as emcee of the International Jazz Festival, was a certified conductor at the Trolley Museum, WXXI Auction, Rochester Eye Bank and the Colgate Alumni Club.
Carlos's children remember enjoying many summers sailing on Nantucket Sound off the coast of Chatham, MA, winters skiing at Hunt Hollow Ski Club and tennis at the Genesee Valley Club.
His sharp wit, sense of humor, eidetic memory, love of music, history and the arts as well as travel, contributed to his passion for life. And it was a life well lived! But most importantly, his compassion for those around him and unconditional devotion to friends, family and our community was truly unparalelled and inspirational.
There is an old African proverb that is so apropos in regards to his passing:
"When an old man dies, a library burns". Amen to that!
Carlos is survived by his 94 year old Mother, Alma "Allie" Robertson, Brother, Roberto (Nancy), Sisters, Cristina (George) and Luisa (Gerry), first wife Wendy, and beloved children, Philip Evans, (Tasha), Daughter, Lindsay Cook, and the love of his life, Granddaughter, Brynn Kellogg.
In addition, he enjoyed an extended second family by his second wife Katrina Van Schaick, four wonderful step children and a brood of step grandchildren all of whom meant so much to him.
Arrangements: A Celebration of Life, Memorial service is currently being planned for sometime either on or around All Saints Day at Christ Church Episcopal (downtown).
Please send donations in lieu of flowers to The South Wedge Mission, Christ Church Episcopal Church or a charity of your choosing in honor and memory of Carlos.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Carlos Mercado
Karen Colizzi Noonan
September 8, 2020
Carlos and I first crossed paths when the Monroe Theater was threatened (such a long time ago) as we both had an avid interest in historic theaters. His historical knowledge was impressive, but more than that, his demeanor brought a sense of order to what at times became a fiercely charged discussion. Quietly asserting facts as opposed to heated emotion, he steered the group without a lot of them even realizing it. As the years went on, I would hear from Carlos whenever a local historic theater needed attention or advocacy. Most recently, he was a vocal supporter of the endangered Auburn Schine Theater.
My deepest condolences to his family and many friends. Yes, the world truly has lost a library.
Connie Herrera
September 1, 2020
Whenever I met Carlos, whether at VisitRochester events or volunteering at the Lilac Festival, I loved his energy and welcoming spirit. He made an immediate impression and was such a strong supporter of Rochester. Warmest sympathy to his family and friends, we have lost a wonderful and vibrant man.
Jim Martin
August 31, 2020
Carlos was The Best: the best wit, the best raconteur, the best quick thinker, the best fun guy at a party. One of a kind. He will be greatly missed.
Jack Hilbert
August 31, 2020
A good friend from high school days; always fun to be around; a great wit. I
especially enjoyed seeing Carlos at our many reunions through the years.
Condolences and Best Wishes to his extended family.
Bill DeWitt
August 31, 2020
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to Carlos' extended family.
I have to admit that I have had limited contact with him recently, but once upon a time, over 50 years ago, we were on the Auburn Swim Team together. And then Carlos spent a summer in Michigan City, to where my folks had moved, and worked for Joy Manufacturing, an air compressor company, and we both had small motorcycles, sailed, and hung out together.
He was always great fun and easy to get along with. I saw he was a volunteer conductor for a trolley line... I wish we had connected as I worked for a major railroad and taught freight transportation for 50 years.
I am very sad that he is gone but he leaves warm memories that bring a smile to my heart
steve porten
August 31, 2020
good old fun loving and witty h.s. comrade.....a library has burned, as new ones (his kids and grand kids) are springing forth----saludos! steve porten
ROBERT J Ferraro
August 30, 2020
I remember Carlos when he first came to 12th Night at Christ Church Cathedral in the late 60's!
Fran Wilcox
August 30, 2020
I worked with Carlos at Lincoln Rochester in the 70's and was not the least surprised by anything I read in his Memorial. I even recognized him from his photo! I have fond memories of our long ago days and wish his entire family and friends my best wishes.
Lonnie Arnold
August 30, 2020
I am grateful that Carlos recruited me as one of the Kings in the 12th Night Services at Christ Church, when I lived in Rochester.
Dennis Beaver
August 30, 2020
Carlos was an early colleague at the old Lincoln First Bank, and taught me most of what I needed t know about letters of credit and international banking. He was very knowledgeable about many aspects other aspects of banking, and could always be counted on for his sound advice and quick wit. Prayers and condolences to family and friends.
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