Carlos G. Popoca

Carlos G. Popoca was born in Fremont, Ohio on February 2, 1954. He was the second son of Estefana and Bernardo Popoca. A Cub Scout in elementary school, and a wrestler in Middle School, Carlos developed a love of music and playing Guitar during High School. Carlos never read music, always “played by ear”. High School friend, John Miller remembers their practice sessions…. “In fifty years of making and performing music, I’ve had opportunity to work with many talented musicians; one that left a lasting impression was my Childhood friend, Carlos. I wouldn’t be surprised if many who knew Carlos, never realized he was a talented and creative Guitarist. It wasn’t his way to try and impress anyone with the God given ability with which he had been Gifted. Carlos, who played guitar upside down and strung backwards, from being left-handed, went at music differently from the rest of us teenage garage band wannabe superstars. Where most were looking to play “pop” music of the day, Carlos strived to move beyond the simplicity of the song heard on mainstream radio. He would spend most of his time, listening, comprehending, and mastering guitar riffs by legends, such as, Jimi Hendrix Paul Kanter, Keith Richards, and Carlos Santana. The majority of young lead guitar players were working out simple leads and scales, while Carlos strived to master Blues and his own mystifying technique of what was referred to as Psychedelic Rock. Over the lifetime of dabbling in the music industry I’ve had opportunity to play many venues with many endowed performers and artists. But there have been instances when a Guitarist I worked with would struggle to find a Creative idea in Electric string improv, and my thought? “If my man Carlos was here, he’d show you how to play that badboy!” Fremont, most of you never knew the skilled musical craftsman that lived amongst you, partly from his shyness, partly by design; like I said he loved his guitar, but he wasn’t interested in the Limelight. As for me, I will always have the memory of his talent, creativity, his love for music and friendship. “See you again, my Brother. Save me a seat in the string section of the Heavenly Orchestra. Electric strings that is…” Special Thanks to Esther, for allowing me the Privilege of Honoring her Beloved Brother Carlos. Favorite Actors included Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. After High school, he enlisted in the US Army. Carlos married Laure Hoffman and they had a Daughter, Sonia Popoca. Employed at Whirlpool Corporation in Clyde, Ohio. Later divorced. Carlos lived in Florida for years, where he met the love of his life, Sylvia Pedraza. They married and had two daughters Cecelia Popoca and Venita Popoca. They divorced in the late 80’s. In 1990, Carlos received head trauma and was living in a Skilled Nursing Facility, Elmwood Nursing Center, Green Springs, Ohio. Where he was near family, Brother Bernie, and Dear friend Angie Mosley. Pastor Antonio Ortiz and Congregation miss Carlos deeply. June, 2016 Carlos relocated to San Diego, living with his sister Esther Popoca. On November 15, 2016 was admitted to Sharp Grossmont Hospital. On the morning of November 17, 2016 at 3:51 a.m. Carlos passed away peacefully. He was being visited and comforted by Sister Esther and Neice Olivia Dumas and Hospice. Carlos was 62 years old. Carlos was preceded in death by: Brother David Popoca, Mother Estefana Popoca, Father Bernardo Popoca. Carlos was survived by daughters Sonia Popoca Barth, Cecelia Popoca, Venita Popoca. Sister Esther Popoca, Brothers Bernie Popoca and Efrain Popoca, Neices and Nephews, Kristie, Sarah, Saul, Marco, Olivia, Angela, Antonio, Grandchildren, Charles, Brittany, Donald, Justin, Jayden. Condolences and Personal comments to or about the Deceased and may be sent.