Marcelino D. Antonio

Our beloved Marcelino Antonio passed away on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at the "official" age of 93, though we suspect he was a bit older than he let on. Born in the Philippines during the "rainy season," which was as specific as our grandmother could remember, Marcelino was one of 11 children, the first to go to college, and the first to leave the Philippines for the United States.



His early life was spent on his family farm, planting rice or tending livestock. But he had an artistic, intellectual streak, which propelled him to pursue an education, finally becoming an elementary school teacher in Tarlac City, Philippines. Alongside his wife, Marie, a fellow teacher and the love of his life, he built an illustrious life as an educator culminated with him becoming the principal of San Isidro Elementary School which, under his leadership, received several school and community awards.



Presented with an opportunity to come to the United States as a teacher with his entire family, this thoughtful, quiet man chose to be bold and daring. With a one-way airline ticket to a country he had never seen before, Marcelino headed to the USA and settled in Los Angeles, where he worked for the Los Angeles Unified School District along with odd jobs to earn enough money to bring the rest of his family – his wife and four kids – to California. Together, Marley and Marie built a home where they instilled the simple values and work ethic so their family could thrive, despite the challenges of living in a big city.



Throughout his career, he was an exemplary educator, and won the heart of students, teachers, and parents alike, and left a legacy of learning in schools in East LA and Downtown. When he arrived on campus every morning, his students would swarm him, vying for the chance to carry his briefcase as they followed him to class. He specialized in teaching first graders and truly enjoyed their joyful excitement to learn.



He enjoyed teaching so much, he continued to do it with his four children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Learning was as valuable to him as teaching. Every day was an opportunity to learn something. While many adults steered clear of technology, he embraced it. He was excited with the concept of instant communication which for so many years previously communicated only by telephone and written letter. Even in his 90's he learned and was fascinated with social media, complete with emojis and countless chats and messages to family, relatives and friends.



But Marcelino didn't only cultivate people… one of his greatest joys was cultivating his garden. There is nothing that he couldn't grow. His home in Los Angeles was a treasure trove of fruits and vegetables, with many varieties of plants native to his homeland. He shared his bounty with friends and neighbors, a gift from his heart and soul.



To the end, he tended his garden, and spent the last day before going to the hospital watering his plants.



Marcelino is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marie Enriquez Antonio; his children and their families, Marie Evelyn Shahani & Lincoln Earhart; Edgar Antonio & David Ellison; Shirley Antonio & Henry Pagkalinawan, Jr; and Lea Antonio & Herbert Primig; grandchildren Melissa & husband, Sreeni; Shawn & wife, Nancy; Shane; Shannon & husband, Corey; Saliko and Aidan; great-grandchildren Jeevan and Devin.