Homegoing Celebration for “Big René”
Homegoing Celebration for “Big René” — The Salsa King
🕊️ Sunrise: February 12, 1961
🕊️ Sunset: October 2, 2025
📅 Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
🕚 Time: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Club Puertoriqueño (Puerto Rican Social Hall), San Francisco, CA
Our beloved René Cruz Caraballo, affectionately known as Big René and The Salsa King, fought a courageous five-year battle with cancer and finished his earthly race surrounded by love. He was cremated and is finally at peace with the Lord. Now, it’s time to celebrate his life — not mourn his passing.
Join us for an epic homegoing celebration filled with joy, food, music, and dancing — just as René would have wanted. This is not a funeral — it’s a celebration of life honoring a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and uplifted everyone around him.
✨Dress Code: Please come dressed in color! This is a day for joyful remembrance, not sorrow. Wearing bright and vibrant colors is encouraged to reflect Big René’s lively spirit.
💛 Hosted by: His son, René Caraballo
✨ Celebration Includes:
Memorial tribute and storytelling
Delicious food
Salsa dancing and fellowship
Joy, laughter, and community
Then on Sunday, November 16, René and his brothers will fly with their father’s ashes to Puerto Rico, where the family will hold the final farewell — fulfilling Big René’s wish to rest in his beloved homeland.
If you would like to join the family in Puerto Rico for this final farewell, all are welcome to attend.
About the GoFundMe
All funds donated through GoFundMe are helping cover every part of this journey — from the cremation and memorial services to the final celebrations in San Francisco and Puerto Rico. Your love, prayers, and contributions mean the world to the Caraballo family.
For those who prefer to give through another method, we also accept Zelle at (415) 595-2187, or gifts may be shared in person during the celebration — a card box will be available. Please know that your presence, prayers, and love are what matter most.
Please RSVP if you plan to celebrate with us, as this will help us prepare enough food and seating for everyone.
💬“Family is not an important thing — it’s everything.”
1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV) — “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
With love and gratitude,
The Caraballo Family
Guest List
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