Charles Mena

Charles Mena, 85, of Boulder, Colorado, died in the early morning of Thursday, October 6, 2016. Charles was born on August 29, 1931, in Los Angeles, California to Victor Mena II and Delia Carpio Mena. Growing up, surrounded by aunts, uncles, and grandparents, he developed a great respect for the love and support that an extended family can provide. After graduating from Garfield High School in East Los Angeles, Charles attended the University of Southern California before enlisting in the United States Army; he was stationed at Fort Carson, CO. Post-service, he resumed his studies, eventually earning a Bachelor’s Degree from U.S.C., a Master’s Degree from California State University Los Angeles, and a Doctorate of Education from the University of Colorado. His teaching career began in 1956 in the Los Angeles Unified School District, followed by positions at San Jose State University, the University of Colorado, and Metropolitan State University. On June 20, 1959, Charles married Susan Cartmell in Whittier, CA. As Charles continued his education and teaching, the family settled in Boulder, CO in 1971. He transitioned from teaching elementary school to teaching elementary education at the college level, with an emphasis on bi-lingual expertise. Charles finished out his teaching career having affected so many others, both teachers and students. He was an avid baseball player, drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates. When outside the school, Charles delighted in many things. Family meant everything to him, but he also found great pleasure in being involved with his church, making new friends, woodworking, and cheering on his beloved U.S.C. Trojans and Los Angeles Dodgers. And, wow, did he love baseball. Charles played in high school, college, and for the U.S. Army; when he couldn’t play, he enjoyed watching games on tv. Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Susan, in 2003. He is survived by his son, Matthew (Broomfield, CO), daughters Maria Dean (Westminster, CO), Stephanie Brady (Sugarland, TX), Carla Huffman (Castaic, CA), Marcia Hull (Gilbert, AZ), Victoria Thomas (Westminster, CO), Alexendria “Katie” Maffitt (Boulder, CO) and his brother Victor preceded him in death. He adored his sixteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A Rosary will be held Friday, October 14, 2016 recited at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 6739 South Boulder Road, Boulder, CO 80303 at 1:00 P.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:30 P.M. Burial with military honors provided by the United States Army will follow in the church cemetery. A reception will follow the services at the church. As Charles was a devoted member of Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, please direct any memorial contributions to: Sacred Heart of Mary, 6739 South Boulder Road, Boulder, CO 80303. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for Charles and his family.