Carl Robert Lord

March 17, 1943 — March 14, 2025

In Loving Memory of Carl R. Lord
Carl R. Lord, 81, passed away peacefully in the early hours of March 14, 2025. Born in Chicago,
Illinois, on March 17, 1943, Carl was preceded in death by his father, Carl F. Lord, his mother,
Jeanie R. Lord, and his sisters, Diane Walker (husband Bill) and Bernadine Becker (husband
Ronald).
He is survived by his beloved wife of over six decades, Margarita, daughters Marylou Galeancu
and Rebecca Grajski (husband Mark), son Carl F. Lord II, grandchildren Jonathan Galeancu
(wife Lyndsay), Alicia Galeancu, and Carl R. Lord II, as well as great-grandchildren Malakai and
Moxie Root.
Carl was born and raised on Chicago's North Side. After graduating from Lake View High
School, at just 18 years old, Carl enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1961. He served with
distinction, including a year in Vietnam as a medic at Cam Rahn Bay Air Base. His deep sense of
duty and commitment to others led him to a career in the Air Force, specializing in hospital
administration. He rose through the ranks and was promoted to Chief Master Sergeant in
1983—the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force. After 26 years of dedicated service, “Chief
Lord” retired in 1987 from Mather Air Force Base Hospital in Sacramento, California.
Throughout his life, Carl was driven by a desire to improve himself and the lives of those around
him. He earned both a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of the Philippines in 1978
(graduating cum laude) and a Master of Public Administration degree from Golden Gate
University in 1984. His academic achievements paved the way for a second career as a Regional
Director for Chapman College's Sacramento branch, as well as an adjunct professor at Golden
Gate University (GGU). Carl won GGU’s prestigious “Adjunct Professor of the Year” award
twice, reflecting his dedication to teaching and mentoring.
Recognized for his extensive managerial experience and exceptional public speaking skills, Carl
was frequently invited to speak to staff at a wide range of organizations, both in the private and
public sectors. These included major companies such as Intel and Hewlett Packard, as well as
government agencies like the Internal Revenue Service and the Franchise Tax Board, among
many others.
In 1990, when the opportunity arose, Carl accepted a position as a Human Resources Analyst
with Sacramento County Health and Human Services. While continuing to teach at Golden Gate
University in the evenings and occasionally on weekends, he advanced through the ranks,
ultimately retiring as a Human Resources Manager in 2001.
In 2002, while picking up his grandson (and namesake) from kindergarten at Sacramento's
Capital Christian School (CCS), Carl discovered their volunteer "grandparent" program.
Originally created for grandparents to visit the kindergarten classrooms and read to the students,
Carl took on this role—and so much more. He became known as "Grandpa Lord" to the teachers,
staff, and hundreds of students who passed through CCS, continuing his volunteer work until his
"retirement" in 2018. His love for his community and his genuine interest in others made him a
cherished figure at CCS, and he left a lasting legacy of kindness and service.
While Carl achieved much in his professional life, his true pride and joy came from his family.
As a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was a pillar of love, support, and
encouragement. Carl often expressed that he was most proud of the people his children and
grandchildren had become. His unwavering love for them and his pride in their lives were
evident in every conversation, and they, in turn, could not have asked for a better role model.
Carl was a beacon of hope, love, and joy to everyone who knew him. His kindness knew no
bounds; he always had a kind word, a listening ear, and a heart full of compassion for all. His
eternal optimism, even in the face of challenges, inspired those around him. Carl had a deep,
abiding faith, and his love for his church was evident in the way he lived his life. His faith was
the foundation upon which his love and optimism were built, and it was a guiding light for him
and those who followed his example.
Family and friends are invited to the funeral service and/or interment to honor his life and
legacy:
Funeral Service:
Valley Community Church, 3150 Wissemann Drive, Sacramento, California
Monday, April 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
Interment:
Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, California
Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.

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Carl Robert Lord

March 17, 1943 — March 14, 2025

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