Carlos R. Hortas

carlos hortas

November 3, 1939 ~ March 4, 2024

Born in: San Juan, PR
Resided in: Hamden, CT

Carlos Rafael Hortas, 84, of Hamden, CT, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2024, at Connecticut Hospice in Branford, CT, surrounded by his family.

Carlos – known by many as “Charlie” – was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on November 3, 1939, to the late Mercedes Moragon and Rafael Hortas. Carlos moved with his family to New York at the age of 11, where he attended PS 132 and Humboldt Jr. High before moving to Miami, Florida, at age 14. After his graduation from the University of Miami, he became a Spanish teacher, working at Coral Gables High School from 1962 to 1964. In Miami he met his wife and love of 59 years, Jan Dougherty Hortas, who also pursued a career as a teacher. Carlos and Jan were married on September 5, 1964, and moved to Syracuse, New York, for Carlos to pursue his master’s degree at Syracuse University. They later moved to New Haven, Connecticut, where he received his PhD at Yale University. At Yale he became dean of Branford College, as well as the director of Undergraduate Studies and an assistant professor in the Spanish Department. He loved teaching and his students loved him, as evidenced by his selection as one of the best teachers at Yale in the 1974-75 academic year. He then moved to Hunter College in Manhattan where he served as chairman of the Department of Romance Languages and dean of Humanities and the Arts. As a Professor of Spanish at Hunter College, he continued teaching throughout his career, including literature courses and specialized courses on the early Spanish settlers, explorer navigation, and philology, until his retirement.

Carlos is remembered for his love of teaching, for his skills as a gardener, for playing the guitar and for storytelling. In his 40s, he enjoyed running and twice participated in the New York City Marathon. In his 70s, he studied classical guitar as a student of Joe Tinari at the Neighborhood Music School. His love of reading and lively discussion continued throughout his life, and he enjoyed belonging to a book club of like-minded readers. He was a loyal fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, an avid “Trekkie” and lover of travel. Much of his travel was by train as he commuted to New York City for more than 30 years, becoming a keen observer of commuter behavior. He loved jokes and making people laugh, always bringing cheer to any situation. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to those who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Jan; his daughters, Laura and Sarah, his son Carlos, his sister, Wilma; his grandchildren, Robert Blue, Mercedes Hortas, Emma Harris and Ethan Harris; his niece Darlene Giol and her family; and many cousins and extended family in Florida and Puerto Rico.

A memorial service celebrating Carlos’s life will be held on Saturday, April 13th at 11:30 a.m. in Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests those who desire to remember Carlos to make donations to the American Brain Tumor Association or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Services

Memorial Service: April 13, 2024 11:30 am

Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service - Hamden
2300 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518

203-288-0800

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Great memories of a wonderful man, who
    encouraged me to study the Spanish language and culture, which I did! I can hear his profound and contagious laugh! Shine your bright light, Carlos Hortas🙏🏻

    • My father was a great person and he offered me much love and support. I miss him and will continue to miss his presence in my life. Sarah Hortas

    • Dear Jan and Family. My deepest sympathy to you and your loved ones. I met Carlos at the Yale Summer Program in 1995 as part as the faculty and student get-together. I truly enjoyed our conversation that day.

  2. I met Charlie in the Florida Keys at Wilma’s house some years ago. Eventhough I new some of his credentials, I had no idea it was so easy to engage in a conversation with him. We got talking about Christopher Columbus and the discovery of the new world. I had numerous question which he answered thoroughly and prompted me to ask some more. Thirty minutes later, I realized that I had been hoarding the conversation because Charlie was so engaging and I couldn’t stop. I can just imagine how he must have been in the classroom sharing his vast knowledge and wisdom.
    I realize how much his family and friends will miss him.
    May God welcome him in heaven and give strength to us who knew him on earth.

  3. Jan and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Charlie was an amazing person and he will be missed in our neighborhood. Our deepest sympathy go out to you and your family.
    Anne & Don Andrews

  4. Such a wonderful man. He was always caring, patient, and kind. Jan, I’m so sorry for your loss. You, Bobby and Sadie are in my heart and prayers. Love you guys 💛

  5. My condolences to you all . I have very joyful memories of Carlos singing songs in the kindergarten classroom. Was such a delight for the students.

  6. Very sorry for your loss. Enjoyed all the conversations when he came into my office. Will be missed dearly

  7. Dear Mrs. Hortas and Family, It was very sad for me to hear about the passing of Carlos. He was one of the nicest human beings I have ever known. I feel Blessed to have had him as a guitar student. I am honored to have been mentioned in his obituary. He will be greatly missed. God Bless you and your Family. With my deepest sympathy. Joe Tinari

  8. I grew up in Miami and was blessed to be part of his extended family. Charlie has always been very kind, fun, engaging and hard working. He was so dear to me. Jan, Awilda and all the rest of the family, I feel your loss but will be forever grateful for my special memories of Charlie. God bless you all. Remember the great times. Love to each of you.

  9. So sorry to hear of Carlos’ passing. I loved talking with him and hearing his stories. He always brought a smile to my face whenever I saw him around Ridge Hill. The pride he had for Bobby and Sadie was unmatched. Jan, Bobby and Sadie I am keeping you all in my thoughts and sending love and hugs to you all.

  10. My condolences to all. I remember Mr. Hortas very well, a genuine man. As a kid, I remember he was very easy to talk to, and not intimidating he welcomed conversation.. I’m so very sorry for your loss!

  11. Charles known to me as Bobby grandpa he was such a great guy always had great smile ❤️ My heart is with you in this time of sorrow.
    Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one.❤️
    Words can’t express how sorry I am
    to hear of your loss.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.

    Love you more Wanda Faison

  12. Carlos was the most loving grandfather whom we had the privilege of getting to know over our 30 years at camp. It was clear that Robert, his grandson, knew he was loved and protected. I am so sorry for your loss Jan and Robert.
    Sally Hill

  13. Dear Jan and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Carlos’s passing. My deepest condolences to your and yours. Sending love, hugs, and comfort.

  14. Dear Jan and family,
    I only just learned of Carlos’ death. I had come across a photo of Carlos aboard a schooner in New York harbor. He took his students out at the end of term and invited me along. Perhaps you remember when our families spent a day aboard our boat near Saybrook.
    After we both retired from Hunter geography kept us from seeing each other very often . But I loved Carlos as a fun and very caring colleague. We had spent many years together enjoying each other, we had a firm bond.
    Love to all,
    Sandy

  15. Dear Jan and family,
    I only just learned of Carlos’ death. I had come across a photo of Carlos aboard a schooner in New York harbor. He took his students out at the end of term and invited me along. Perhaps you remember when our families spent a day aboard our boat near Saybrook.
    After we both retired from Hunter geography kept us from seeingj each other very often . But I loved Carlos as a fun and very caring colleague. We had spent many years together enjoying each other, we had a firm bond.
    Love to all,
    Sandy

  16. What an amazing professor! I consider you a mentor and role model. I fell in love with Spanish colonial literature thanks to you. I loved your teaching style and passion for the culture and language. SIP Taino warrior.


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