Carlos Felix Mercado

Carlos Felix Mercado, age 87, of Puerto Rico, passed away in Altamonte Springs, Florida, on Monday, September 14, 2026.

Carlos was a husband, an awesome father, grandfather, great grand-father and a cherished friend to many. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Carlos Felix Mercado was born in Vieques, Puerto Rico, in 1939. As a young man, at approximately 19 years old, he left Puerto Rico to pursue new opportunities in New York and later California. While living in California, Carlos worked as an aircraft ramp agent for Trans World Airlines (TWA). During that time, his passion for aviation inspired him to attend flight school, where he earned his commercial pilot’s license.

In 1971, Carlos returned to Puerto Rico and began an accomplished aviation career with Vieques Air Link. He served as a captain and advanced through the ranks to become chief pilot and eventually director of operations. He proudly devoted many years to aviation until a medical condition brought his flying career to an early close.

Carlos later joined the Puerto Rico Ports Authority in Vieques, where he served as a supervisor until his retirement. Following his retirement, he relocated from Vieques to Florida, where he enjoyed the remaining years of his life surrounded by his family and loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonardo Felix and Cruz Mercado, great grandchildren Mikayla Lynn Charisse Placzkowski and Jennier A. Felix Sanchez, and sister, Carmen Lydia Felix Mercado.

He is survived by his wife, Zoraida Gavino Rivera, son, Carlos E. "Charlie" (Mary) Felix, son, Erick Felix (Moraima) Adams, daughter, Vivian (Tony) Placzkowski, brother, Angel Luis (Ito) Felix Mercado, grandchildren, Carlos (Alex) Felix, Karla M. Strefelder, Angel Placzkowski, Saritza Jones, Jennifer Felix Sanchez, Erick X. Felix Sanchez, Yaraima Felix and Deyaneira Torres Lamboy, great-grandchildren, Raegan Strefelder, Jelier A. Cruz Felix, Nadyia Jones, Ainara S. Felix Cintron, Marcus Anthony Jones, Isaiah Landon Jones, Angel Edgardo Placzkowski and Xavier Placzkowski.

Private service will be held by the family in Vieques, Puerto Rico.