He was born in Cayambe, Ecuador on July 10, 1936 the son of Antonio and Victoria Jarrin Cartagena. Cesar was a self employed business owner in the Groton area. He is survived by his wife, Carmen Tutillo Cartagena, his children, Santiago Cartagena of Pawcatuck, Jamie Cartagena of Groton, Maritza and Mark Birman of New York City, Anthony Cartagena from Groton and Oscar and Judy Cartagena. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Monica Cartagena,  Mercedes Cartagena,Stephanie Cartagena-Howell and Christina Cummings and Anthony Hindle-Cartagena, and his great grandchildren, Ryan Howell and Amaya Taylor, Nadia Howell, Ava Cummings and Veronica Cummings. He was predeceased by a grandson, Joseph Michael Cartagena. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday morning at 11 o’clock at Sacred Heart Church, Sacred Heart Drive, Groton. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 3 until 5 o’clock a the Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St