Federico Cantarero

Federico Cantarero, known to all who loved him as “Grandpa Fred,” passed away peacefully at home in Whittier, California, on February 1, 2026, surrounded by family. He was 93 years old—an age that spoke to a life well lived, deeply loved, and generously shared.

Federico was born in Jinotega, Nicaragua, on December 20, 1932. Arriving so close to Christmas, he was truly the greatest gift. His faith and character were shaped by spending over a decade alongside the La Salle Christian Brothers in Panama, where he learned the skills that would stay with him for life—becoming an exceptional cook, a provider, a friend, a bus driver, a mentor—and, ultimately, the man we knew and loved.

Upon returning to Managua, Nicaragua, Federico met the love of his life, Aury Mena. In 1960, he followed her to the United States, where they made their home in Los Angeles. There, Federico became the steady shepherd of both his and Aury’s families as they built new lives together. They welcomed four children, and through years of dedication and hard work, Federico supported his growing family, spending many years in the foam industry and eventually owning his own business.

Service to others was Federico’s guiding principle. He never shied away from helping a neighbor, offering a ride, cooking a meal, coaching his sons’ baseball teams, or simply gathering and entertaining the extended family on his treasured patio. There was never a baby he couldn’t soothe, an animal that didn’t love him, or a family member he ever turned away.

As a grandfather, Federico’s love knew no boundaries. Though he was a grandfather to twelve and a great-grandfather to seven, his presence reached far beyond his own family. He was “Grandpa Fred” to friends, coaches, neighbors, teachers, and anyone in need of comfort. He showed up for the big moments and milestones, but his impact was often felt most on the ordinary days—when he opened his kitchen and prepared a home-cooked meal for whoever walked through the door.

Federico is survived by his wife of 63 years, Aury. Children Heliett Sanchez (Michael), Robert Cantarero (Mary), Freddy Cantarero, and Luci Gutierrez (Mario): 12 grandchildren, Christina Augustine (Mychal), Stephanie Sanchez, Nathan Sanchez, Freddy “Buck” Cantarero (Darlene), Erika Cantarero, James Cantarero, Luke Cantarero, Andrew Cantarero, Lexie Cantarero, Nikki Cantarero, Gigi Gutierrez, and Sophia Gutierrez, and seven great-grandchildren, Jeremiah, Penelope, Willow, Ignacio, Hugo, Emilio, and his namesake, Federico (Freddy.)

A Rosary will be held at 7:00p on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Whittier, CA. The funeral mass will be held at 10:00a on Friday, February 6, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, followed by internment at Resurrection Cemetery in Rosemead, CA.