Marcelo Martínez Marroquín

Marcelo Martínez Marroquín, a cherished husband, brother, uncle, and friend, left this world on September 2, 2025, at the age of 43. Born on February 19, 1982, Marcelo lived a life full of passion, creativity, and love, touching the hearts of everyone he met.

Marcelo’s professional journey was marked by dedication and excellence in education. He served as a camp counselor at both Camp Max Straus and Camp James, where he began nurturing young minds. He taught band and choir at Vanguard Learning Center, Spring View Middle School, and Vista View Middle School. At those middle schools he work with colleagues to organized district wide festivals. Marcelo held the position of choir teacher and Vocal Director for musicals at Mark Kepple High School in Alhambra. He left a profound impact on the lives of many students and his colleagues. In addition to his service to students, he mentored student teachers, helping them find their teaching voice.

His role extended beyond the classroom, encompassing contributions in various musical capacities. Marcelo was the bass section leader at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in West Covina and served as the Director of Music at Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church in Whittier. He frequently sang at Irvine United Congregational Church and sang concerts with St. Cross Episcopal Church. During his time away from California, he directed the Boys and Girls Choir at St. Marks Episcopal Church in Washington D.C. His leadership was also felt within professional organizations as he served as Junior High/Middle School Honor Choir Vice-President for the Southern California Vocal Association, all while being an active member of the California Choral Directors Association, the National Association for Music Education, and the American Choral Directors Association. Moreover, he took pride in his affiliation with Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, which recognized the importance of brotherhood and music.

Marcelo obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Music from Brigham Young University, Idaho. He later earned his Teaching Credential and Master of Music degree in performance with an emphasis in choral conducting from California State University, Fullerton.

Beyond his professional achievements, Marcelo was a man of many talents and interests. He found joy in cooking, frequently preparing delicious meals for his husband, Juventino Aceves, family, and friends. His culinary prowess was particularly evident during the holiday season, where he lovingly crafted as many as 150 tamales for Christmas, ensuring that everyone enjoyed a taste of his heartfelt hospitality. He also relished the joys of gardening and dedicated time to crocheting gifts for his family, friends, and even his cherished dogs, Cooper and Paco. Marcelo once took on the monumental task of canning enough tomatoes for 50 jars, a testament to his passion for creating and sharing with others.

Marcelo and Juventino shared a beautiful life together over the course of 18 years, culminating in their marriage on October 10, 2020. Their relationship encompassed shared adventures, including memorable travels across Europe for Marcelo's fortieth birthday and multiple cross-country drives during Juventino’s clinical fellowship in Maryland. Their love was illustrated through their musical partnership, performing duets and inspiring each other in their musical endeavors, with Juventino singing every Sunday under Marcelo's direction. Their harmonies intertwined not just in songs but in every cherished element of their daily lives—from lounging on the couch to tending to their beloved dogs, Cooper and Paco, and when going out to eat. Through all of life's challenges, including Marcelo's brave fight against cancer, Juventino was a steadfast presence, providing care during his hospice period and being there at the time of his passing.

He is survived by his loving husband, Juventino Aceves; his siblings, Lisseth Tupe, Daniela Martinez, and Cesar Martinez; and his father, Julio Martinez. He is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Irma Martinez.

A rosary will be held on September 19, 2025 and a funeral services will be held September 20, 2025, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Covina, California. Friends and family are encouraged to come and share their fond memories of a man who brought so much joy into their lives. Marcelo's legacy will live on through the countless lives he has touched with his music, his love, and his generosity.

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