Carlos R. Brathwaite

Carlos Brathwaite was born in Colon, Republic of Panama, on October 16, 1947 to the late Helen Bramble and Lloyd Brathwaite.

Upon completing high school in Panama, he and his sister, Olinda “Sandy” Brathwaite migrated to the United States to reside with their father and stepmother, Rosa Brathwaite. Carlos enlisted in the United States Army December 5, 1967.  He served in the Vietnam War from 1967 -1969 ultimately receiving an honorable discharge. Following his military service, Carlos was gainfully employed at the United States Postal service for a short period. He was later blessed with two handsome sons, Carlos  Evans Jr.( Margie Crowe) and Jabbar Brathwaite (Tania Anthony).

Although Carlos lived in Brooklyn for many years, he relocated to New Jersey to be with his late wife Gwendolyn Brathwaite and her son, Isiah Howard. They relocated to Rock Hill, South Carolina and remained there for seventeen years. When Carlos retired from Airgas in 2014, he and Gwen relocated to Norfolk, Virginia to be closer to family. After the passing of his wife he remained in Virginia to start and continue treatment for Prostate Cancer and Multiple Systems Atrophy. Carlos eventually became too ill to reside alone and moved in with his niece, Malika Traynham until he succumbed to the illness  at Obici Hospital on February 14, 2024. Carlos was with his beloved sister, Andrea “Cuchy” Brathwaite when he took his last breath.

Carlos was affectionately known by his friends and family as “Strong Carlos “. He was a sharp dresser. He loved fishing, playing bingo, watching nature shows, CNN, Fox News, The Steve Harvey Show and wearing his favorite colors red and green.

Carlos leaves behind sons, Carlos Jr and Jabbar( Ramilca Brathwaite); Step-son, Isiah Howard;  six  grandchildren, six step- grandchildren, a great granddaughter and 11 step great grandchildren. His brothers, Rogelio, Dean, Raymond and Luis.  Sisters, Olinda ‘Sandy’, Andrea ‘Cuchy’, Ana and a host of family members and friends.

Carlos is predeceased by his mother, father, his wife, his brothers Eduardo and Fernando.