Carlos Gieseken, 40, passed away unexpectedly Monday, July 11, 2016 at his Pensacola home.

Carlos was born March 28, 1976 in Bogotá , Columbia to Dr. Carlos Gieseken and Zully Gieseken. The family moved to the United States when Carlos was 2 years old.

Carlos graduated from Seton Catholic Central High School in Binghamton, New York and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Syracuse University. Later he received his Masters in Journalism from Boston University and a Masters in Business Administration from Baylor University.

Carlos had an adventurous, nomadic spirit, but always found friends who quickly became family wherever he landed. Carlos never forgot the relationships he made and those friends never forgot him. He remained close with his university families, as well as with his close friends in Stevens Point, WI; Austin, Texas; and Binghamton, New York.

At the time of his passing, Carlos was a reporter at the Pensacola News Journal, where he stood as a community champion for all who were kind enough to allow Carlos to share their stories.

Carlos was the ultimate unifier, pulling together diverse groups of people and creating a network of friends who were all drawn to his charismatic personality. His sharp wit could bring levity to any situation and was a constant presence as he lived life to the fullest.

As a constant learner, Carlos went all out in all that he approached. He trained and ran multiple triathlons and marathons, learned to salsa and skeet shoot and recently had learned to play the saxophone.

His constant companion was his precious Jack Russell terrier, Bella. Together they mastered agility school, and never stopped learning new tricks.

In addition to Bella, Carlos is survived by his parents, Carlos and Zully Gieseken; his sister, Zully Moore; brother-in-law, Matthew Moore, and beloved niece, Liliana "Lily Bell" Moore; his uncle Dr. Desi Penso and cousin Natasha Penso, among others, all of whom meant a great deal to Carlos.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, July 18, 2016 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd., with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m.

The Memorial Mass will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 3121 Hyde Park Rd., Pensacola, with Fr. Doug Halsema celebrant.