The family would like you to join us in celebrating the life of Carlos Linares. We are holding calling hours on Friday, August 5th from 4–9pm in the Wullschleger Education Building of the Reformed Church in New Paltz, 92 Huguenot St, New Paltz, NY 12561. All friends and community members whose lives Carlos’ touched are warmly invited to come and share your memories of Carlos.Carlos Roberto Linares-Roca (1959–2022) of New Paltz passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 22nd, 2022. Carlos was born in El Congo, El Salvador to Carmen Linares and Eberto Roca. He attended the Instituto Nacional de Santa Ana where he received his high school diploma. At a time when pursuing higher education was not a popular choice in El Salvador, Carlos decided to pursue a degree in business administration at Universidad Santaneca de Ciencia y Tecnologia in Santa Ana, while also working in his mother’s small business. As he had to work during the day, Carlos attended evening classes and often struggled to catch the last bus from Santa Ana back to his small village. Although his mother was initially not supportive of him attending college, she helped Carlos buy his first motorcycle so he could get to and from class. Carlos always felt his mother’s love and support, and he was devastated when she passed away when he was only 23 years old.
After his mother’s passing, Carlos reunited with his paternal brother and took a course to become a teacher while continuing to pursue his bachelor’s degree in business. He eventually became the regional superintendent for the rural schools in the area where he grew up. As professionals and students increasingly became targets during El Salvador’s brutal civil war, however, Carlos came increasingly under pressure from both militia and government forces.
Fleeing the violence of the civil war, Carlos left his three young children and came to the United States in 1990. After several months in New York City, Carlos worked his way up the Hudson Valley and eventually settled in New Paltz, where he lived for nearly 30 years. When he first moved to the area, Carlos found work in the restaurant industry at Mohonk Mountain House and at Villa Baglieri. Although he left his children in El Salvador when there were only toddlers, he never stopped supporting them and was eventually able to bring his two daughters to live with him when they were adults. Later, he spent a number of years as a paralegal with the Legal Aid Society of Mid New York, as well as a Spanish instructor at Orange County Community College and Spanish interpreter.
Carlos cared deeply about helping anyone in need, and was both extremely thrifty and generous with his time. He loved to help friends work on their cars and volunteer for the local newspaper. Anybody who ever had the pleasure of meeting Carlos most certainly left with a smile and a pleasant memory of the encounter.
Carlos was an avid music lover and dancer, and could often be found at local gatherings for salsa and bachata. He also loved to ride his motorcycle with friends around every corner of the Hudson Valley.
Above all else, Carlos was passionate about soccer. Having started playing in El Salvador as a child with little other than a ball made of rolled-up socks, Carlos excelled throughout his youth and made it as far as a semi-pro team before an injury ended any professional aspirations. Carlos never lost his love of the game and was a regular face in the New Paltz soccer community, playing in adult leagues and pick-up matches, as well as mentoring local youth as a travel soccer coach and referee. More than 20 years of young New Paltz players and their families knew Carlos from the soccer field and were touched by his deep passion for the game and unflagging encouragement. Carlos was also a passionate fan of soccer globally and especially loved FC Barcelona.
Carlos is survived by his children, Roberto, Carmina, Sofia and Logan, his two step-children, Krista and Eben, his grandson Andrew, and a wide community of loving family and friends. Calling hours will be held on August 5th, 2022 from 4–9pm in the Wullschleger Education Building of the Reformed Church in New Paltz, 92 Huguenot St, New Paltz, NY 12561. Cards can be sent to 230 Old Kingston Road, New Paltz, NY 12561.
Join the family! 
