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Carlos Laginhas Pires August 27, 1933 – March 27, 2023 Carlos Pires was born on August 27, 1933 in Rodeo, CA to Antonio and Mary. He was 89 years old at the time of his peaceful passing on March 27, 2023. Carlos, known to many as Chuck, graduated from John Swett High School in Crockett and went on to earn an AA degree from Contra Costa College and his apprenticeship at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. He went to work at Mare Island in 1953 and ended his career there in 1988 as a supervisor in the Planning and Estimating Department. After retirement he worked part time for 10 years managing the Springstowne Shopping center in Vallejo. He thought it was a pretty good gig because he could set his own hours and it didn’t interfere with golf. In 1952 Carlos married Shirley Bateman (divorced in 1980). They lived in Vallejo and raised three daughters, Susan, Joanne, and Patty. He was a member of the Elks Club and for at least 20 years would take all three girls to the annual Father Daughter Dance. A great dancer with a lot of energy! In 1988 he met Sallie Kelley, and she would become his life partner until his passing. Her three children, along with their spouses and many grandchildren, would become a very important part of his life. They resided together in Benicia for more than 30 years. Carlos enjoyed playing golf several times a week, usually at Blue Rock Springs, with the same group of friends. His positive attitude and good health allowed him to play up until about 6 months ago and I’m sure he will be missed by his golf buddies. Family, both immediate and extended, was the most important thing in his life. He kept in touch with his children and grandchildren with frequent phone calls and lunches where he could connect one on one with them, and many family BBQs and holiday gatherings. Carlos is survived by his brother Antonio Pires (Gloria), life partner Sallie Kelley, daughters Joanne Pires and Patty McCart (Greg). He is predeceased by his eldest daughter Susan Pires Bristow who passed away in 1999. He will be missed by his grandchildren: Kevin Bristow, Jessica Hulin, Eric Bristow (Amanda), Carrie Bristow, Matthew Meadors, Jacob McCart, and great grandchild Hannah Bristow. In addition, he was adored by Sallie’s children- Loren Ledesma (John), Shannon Kelley (Allison), Kristin Ledesma (Greg), and grandchildren, who all called him “Papa Chuck”- Gregory Ledesma (predeceased); Monique Ritter; Madison, Hannah, Abigail, and Emma Ledesma; Kamryn and Morgan Kelley; and great-grandchild, Everly Mae Ledesma. A memorial service will be held on Thursday April 13th at 11:00 am at Skyview Memorial, 200 Rollingwood Drive, in Vallejo. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the food bank of your choice.

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Carlos L. Pires

August 27, 1933 - March 27, 2023