Carlos Manuel del Sol's Obituary
Carlos Manuel del Sol, of Gainesville, FL, passed peacefully on November 24, 2024. He was the devoted husband of Olga V. del Sol, his wife of over 51 years. In addition to his wife, he leaves behind his daughters, Adrianne Petersen (Philip) and Melissa del Sol (David Bowman), a granddaughter, as well as a brother, Pedro del Sol (Marcia), his nieces Alissa del Sol and Kristi Williams, and five grandnephews and nieces.
Carlos was born in Cardenas, Cuba, on February 22, 1950, the oldest child of the late Carlos del Sol and Maria H. del Sol. He came to the United States from Cuba with his brother in 1962, under Operation Pedro Pan. His parents followed several years later. Leaving everything behind in Cuba, they rebuilt their lives in the United States. Carlos eventually earned his acceptance into the University of Florida and graduated in 1972 with a B.S. in Industrial & Systems Engineering. From early in his life, he knew the value of hard work, perseverance, and the idea that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
After graduating from UF, Carlos began his career at the General Electric Company before moving with his family to New Jersey to join the Campbell Soup Company. After a fulfilling 23 years at Campbell Soup, Carlos retired as the Vice President, Global Engineering Systems in 2011. During this time, he also served as Vice Chairman of the Campbell Soup Foundation and as a Trustee of the Board of the United Way in Camden County, NJ.
Upon retirement, Carlos moved back to Gainesville, FL, with his wife Olga, eager to dedicate his time and service to the community and the University of Florida. Acknowledging the impact of many mentors throughout his life, he became a mentor to many, sharing his experience and expertise with students, faculty, and staff to help them achieve their personal and professional goals. He also shared his time and talent with high school students as a judge and school mentor for the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition for 27 years.
Carlos also gave back to the University as a chair and member of the University of Florida College of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Board, the chair of the Industrial Engineering Advisory Board, and a member of the University of Florida Alumni Association Board of Directors. He was recognized with the University of Florida Distinguished Alumnus Award and the University of Florida Industrial Engineering Alumni Leadership Award.
Beyond his scholastic accomplishments, professional success, and philanthropic spirit, Carlos was first and foremost a dedicated husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, a beloved brother, and a caring father-in-law. What defined him was his incredible ability to be fully present with those around him, his inimitable ability to give his heart, constant guidance, and inspiration to all who surrounded him, and his unwavering ability to live his life in gratitude and with the utmost integrity. Carlos was a faithful Catholic who trusted God, no matter what direction life led him, which is what grounded him every step of the way. His life will have a lasting impact on those who encountered him, whether a family member, friend, or acquaintance. His generous heart, kindness, and insightful words will forever live on through them.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 4, at 11:00 AM at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 10900 SW 24th Avenue, Gainesville, FL. Viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 4, at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Carlos and Olga V. del Sol Supply Chain/Manufacturing Scholarship or the del Sol Engineering Leadership Award. Donations can be sent to Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering Development Office, Attn: Sarah Johnson, 1949 Stadium Road, Gainesville, FL 32661.
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