Cesar Isaac Carrasco

Cesar Carrasco, beloved by his family and friends, passed away on August 19, 2025, of a sudden and unexpected heart attack.

Cesar was born in El Paso, Texas, spending his childhood and teenage years in New Mexico, West Texas, and at his grandparents’ ranch along the Rio Grande River. At age 18, he moved to New York City to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and become an actor. He went on to work in theatre, marketing, music, ministry, multimedia, photography, and technology. Most importantly, he was a devoted and loving husband and father. His family was his greatest treasure.

Cesar met Jessi Slater of Chapel Hill, NC in 2001 working on an off-off-Broadway play. Their experiences in New York City around 9/11 cemented their relationship and they were inseparable for the next 24 years. They were married on a rooftop in Brooklyn in 2004, and welcomed daughter Lucia Lynn in 2007, and son Lucas River in 2010. Cesar and Jessi moved to North Carolina in 2014 to raise their family, making their home in Cedar Grove.

Cesar was incessantly creative, a gifted storyteller, curious listener, gracious host, and loyal friend. He could light up a room with laughter and joy. He was quick with a joke and eager for deep, honest conversation. He was friendly, funny, encouraging, genuine, artistic, generous, authentic, humble, cool, and kind. Cesar loved God and lived his faith. As a young man, he encountered Jesus Christ – the way, the truth, and the life – and trusted God to carry him through every high and low in life.

Cesar’s family will host a memorial event on Saturday, October 18th from 3 – 7 PM at The Venue at Iron Gate, 2540 Lynch Store Rd, Mebane, NC. A memorial service will be followed by a celebration featuring art, music, stories, and food. All are welcome. RSVPs are requested by October 4th via this link.

In lieu of flowers, Cesar would be honored by donations to Triangle Youth Music, Orange High School Athletic Boosters, or Hope Animal Rescue:

· Cesar loved all forms of musical expression, especially rock & roll, jazz, and worship. Though not a musician himself, he delighted in his daughter Lucy’s passion for music, and her pursuit of a musical education and career. During the last year of Cesar’s life, Lucy played in the Triangle Youth Jazz Orchestra, an ensemble of Triangle Youth Music. Cesar was so proud of the musical and personal growth she experienced through this program. Donations to Triangle Youth Music will provide these opportunities for other young musicians.

· As a kid, Cesar was an athlete. He wrestled on the high school varsity team as an 8th grader, and played football until injury redirected his path toward theatre. He believed strongly in the character-building and life lessons learned through sports. Cesar encouraged these values in his son: stay teachable, earn respect by your work ethic, be a good teammate, respect your opponent, take wins and losses with humility and grace. He was so proud of Lucas’ growth as a young man and athlete. Donations to Orange High School Athletic Boosters, earmarked for Wrestling and/or Lacrosse, will provide opportunities for Lucas’ teams. (Mail checks to Orange High School, 500 Orange High School Rd, Hillsborough, NC 27278)

· Cesar adored all animals, most especially his five rescue dogs. Donations to Hope Animal Rescue will help dogs like Cesar’s family pets Doug, Grace, Macho, Neo, and EZ find their loving forever homes.

Cesar leaves behind his wife Jessi Carrasco, two children Lucy & Lucas Carrasco, his doggies, an extended family of parents, brothers, in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. His family is grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers from loved ones near and far.

Cesar is and will continue to be deeply missed. As Cesar’s family mourns his passing, they are comforted by the promise that he is with the Lord, his most loving and merciful Savior, who gives eternal life of joy and peace.