Gustavo Carreras was golfer, youth coach

DOWNEY - Gustavo "Gus" Carreras passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family following a brief battle with cancer.Carreras was the youngest son of Francisco and Ana Carreras and resided in Downey. He completed two years of civil engineering at Havana University in Cuba. While in Cuba, he met Maria, and they married in Puerto Rico in 1963. Carreras worked for Mid Cities Paper Box Co. in Bell Gardens and retired after 37 years. An avid golfer, he hit two hole-in-ones two days in a row in 1982, earning him special recognition at Ford Park. He coached softball and basketball for his daughter Elena's team from 1975-79, and baseball, basketball and football for his son Gus Jr's team from 1974-78. He regularly helped the teams win the league championships in the Catholic Youth Organization of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Maria; two children, Gustavo Jr. (Delia) and Elena; grandchildren, Jeffrey, Craig (Brittany M.), Gregory, Kevin, Ricky, Robby, Brittany, Sydney and Kelly; and his brothers, Francisco and Carlos (Gilma). A funeral service and 'celebration of life' will be held today at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church with family and friends. Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary is handling the arrangements.

********** Published: August 7, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 16