Carlos Enrique Zambrano

Carlos Enrique Zambrano Carbajal, long time resident of East Hanover, passed away peacefully in his home on May 23, 2023 at the feisty age of 95.
Carlos was born in Callao, Peru on January 25, 1928, one of 7 children. He became head of the house in his early teens, helping his mom to keep the family afloat. Carlos was always a survivor. He met his first wife of over 40 years, Rosa Zambrano, in his thirties while at a dance party, the tango did it! They married and had three children, Carlos, Jorge and Rosario.
Carlos immigrated to the United States in 1967 with a group of people who had been promised work here in the States. He arrived at JFK airport, and the trip leader said, "Wait a minute, I'll be right back." And that was the last they ever saw of that guy. Carlos wandered the grounds of the JFK terminal until a cab driver said, "My friend, where are you going?" Carlos said, "I don't know. I was left here." Cab driver asked where he was from Peru. Cabbie said, "Well come with me. I know where lots of Peruvians are!" And that's how Carlos ended up in Patterson, NJ. He forged a way forward in this country with his smarts and absolute determination to succeed. He worked all sorts of jobs until he finally landed a job as an accountant, his chosen profession. In 1971, he was finally able to bring over his wife and children and the family settled in East Hanover.
Carlos was a hardworking man who never said quit, refused to give in to fear, was willing to take chances, and always kept searching to make a better way for his family. He loved to eat, dance, laugh, and tried to enjoy the journey that is life. He loved to tinker and build and fix (sometimes break) anything around the house. He was also stubborn, hot headed, and truly could be a nudge at times, but it was all part of his charm. He was a piece of work!
Carlos was predeceased by his wife, Rosa Zambrano, and his son, Dr. Carlos Zambrano. He is survived by his second wife of 17 years, Aura Avila; his son Jorge Zambrano, wife Anna, grandchildren Jacob and Ann Marie; daughter-in-law Madeline and grandchildren Damarys and Brendan; his son Peter Prinz and wife Linda; his daughter Dr. Rosario Zambrano and husband Damon Lofton, grandchildren Raquel and Ryan.
Family and friends are welcome to a Memorial Service at Hancliffe Home for Funerals, 222 Ridgedale Ave, East Hanover, NJ from 2-4pm on Friday June 2, 2023 followed by a celebration of Carlos's life at 80 West Hanover Ave, Morris Plains, NJ.