| Graduation Year | Class of 1971 |
| Date of Passing | May 01, 2012 |
| About | On Tuesday, May 1, 2012, Cali Carranza, 59, defeated ALS (Lou Gherig's Disease) and began leading the Lord's choir. Cali was born and raised in Pharr. He served in the U.S. Army Recruiting Command for over 30 years. He was active in numerous civic and community service organizations, including the Selective Service Board, the Pharr International Bridge Board, and the Pharr Housing Authority Board, where he served as chairman. However, he will be most remembered for the joy he shared with so many through his music. A musician from the age of 3, Cali earned numerous awards, including Song of the Year, Band of the Year, the Tejano Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award, and induction into the Tejano Music Hall of Fame. To the world he will always be "the ever-smiling Cali Carranza." To those closest to him, he will always be the strong, brilliant, and loving man who was the heart and soul of his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Magdaleno and Adela Carranza; and a sister, Maria Anita Rosales. Cali is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Maria Carranza, of Pharr; four children, Marissa (Jason) Hernandez, Clarissa Carranza, Cali Michael Carranza, and Julian Matthew Carranza, all of Pharr; four grandchildren, Elijah, Ethan, and Isabella Hernandez, and Ava Guzman; two brothers, Magdaleno Carranza, Jr., Ruben Carranza; two sisters, Elida Garcia and Lydia Garibay. In closing, some parting lyrics from Cali's favorite recording, reminding us all to cherish every moment… La vida se hace siempre de momentos, de cosas que no sueles valorar Y luego cuando pierdes, cuando al fin te has dado cuenta El tiempo no te deja regresar. Profile created by Melba Diana (Barrera) Maurer. If anyone would like to make edits to this profile, contact Melba on this website in class of '71. |
