Carlos Figueroa

Professor Carlos Figueroa, 72, passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer, on the morning of January 11th, 2026, in Dillard, Oregon, with his wife, Denise Figueroa, by his side. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, and his presence will be deeply missed.

Carlos was born on August 6, 1953, in Van Nuys, California to Leonard Figueroa and Lucille Franco. He married Denise Giller on August 11, 1979, in Marin, California.

After graduating from University of California Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, and University of California Berkeley with a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, Carlos had a fruitful career in the pharmaceutical industry in California, before pursuing his dream of becoming a vineyard owner and winemaker in Oregon, where he also touched the lives of many students during his time as a professor at Umpqua Community College.

When he wasn't busy spreading knowledge on the intricacies of chemical reactions and new technologies, he was often seen in his overalls, cowboy hat, and tie-dye shirt, happily riding around outside on his tractor or chatting about his merlot and pinot gris with anyone who would listen.

He loved science and science fiction, travel and nature, good food and wine, and his friends and family.

Carlos is survived by Denise Figueroa (wife), Matthew Figueroa (son), Nicole Cetin (daughter), Can Cetin (son-in-law), Charles Cetin (grandson), William Cetin (grandson), Leonard Figueroa (brother), Margarita Welsh (sister), Rosemarie Potell (sister), Linda Figueroa (sister), Rachel Figueroa (sister), two nephews, and six nieces.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please consider donating to the American Cancer Society or other cancer foundation of your choice or planting a tree through the Arbor Day Foundation.