Search by Name

Search by Name

Marcelino Figueroa Obituary

Marcelino "Max" Collazo Figueroa, 88, of Vineland went to be with his Lord on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012, surrounded by his family, at the South Jersey Healthcare Hospice Center in Bridgeton.

Born in Jayuya, Puerto Rico, he graduated high school and then attended training at Rodriguez General Hospital, where he graduated as a registered nurse. He then enlisted in the United States Army during WWII, serving as a nurse and physician assistant.

Max moved to Vineland, where he landed a job with Kimble Glass in the scientific department. Then from 1955 to 1979, Max was the first Puerto Rican DJ in Vineland on 1060 WWBZ and received several awards. In 1958, he graduated from General Motors Vocational Education in Camden as a refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic. He practiced his skill from 1958 to 1973 with Authur Lehmann and Sons Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. He continued his education and received several certificates from Thomas Edison College, Atlantic Community College and Atkins College in Columbia, N.Y., and he became a life-skills educator for what is now known as the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), from 1973 to 1992.

In between these activities, Max, Juan Charron, the Rev. Juan Perez and Frank Tejera found the time to organize what is now known as Casa PRAC. It was established to assist the Hispanic community for all needs -- legal, medical, transportation, etc. Max was associated with various organizations for more than 25 years, all to help the Hispanic community. For the past 20 years, he's been vice president of the Cumberland County Board of Social Services.

Max was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather and was always there for his family.

He is predeceased by his daughter, Lilia Esther Collazo.

Max is survived by his wife of 65 years, Luz (Rodriguez) Figueroa of Vineland; three daughters, Brunilda (Bobbie) Scarani of Hammonton, Norma (Carmen) Puccio of Maine and Yolanda (Robert) Wright of Vineland; sister, Antonia Collazo of Puerto Rico; grandchildren, David, Jason and Matthew Puccio, Heather Papiano, Alison Wright and Vanessa Scarani; great-grandchildren, Alexis and Aiden Puccio, Damian McFarland, Riley, Morgan and Henry Papiano; great-great-grandchildren, Elijiah and Nadiya Puccio; sisters-in-law, Justina Herman and Esther Barreiro, both of Vineland, and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Iglesia Presbiteriana Hispana Bet-El, 410 S. Fourth St., Vineland. Burial will follow in Siloam Cemetery. Friends will be received on Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home 2755 S. Lincoln Ave., Vineland and on Wednesday morning from 9 to 10 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to South Jersey Healthcare HospiceCare, P.O. Box 160, Bridgeton, NJ 08302; or to the Iglesia Presbiteriana Hispana Bet-El.

Please visit www.dlfuneral.com to send the family condolences.

Published by The Daily Journal on Oct. 22, 2012.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Marcelino Figueroa

Not sure what to say?





Sorry for your loss. My mother just showed me the obituary recently and asked me if I remembered him. I said, he looks very familiar but wasn't sure. My mother tells me he was a huge piece of the P.R. puzzle in the Vineland community. He was the one who helped my brother who is deceased now, apply for his gaming license for employment in the casinos. My mother too is from Jayuya. But what really floored me was that he was the first Hispanic Dj in Vineland and that's where it really hit me in the heart. I also started my love for djing in Vineland in the early 80's. This was a great man who accomplished great things for our people's in our community...May God bless him and his family

A Torres

November 12, 2012

Always remember you by all your wise advice you gave me when I was young. Wish could have talked to you one more time. Gone but not forgotten. Love you Tio.

Francis

Francisco Collazo

November 5, 2012

On behalf of the late Frank Tejeras, our deepest sympathy to the family during this time. Max was a very dear, humble and loving friend. Max, although he is gone, he will always be remembered for his kindness, and encouragement. God Bless, until we meet again. Lisa Tejeras-Medina y familia

October 25, 2012

Daddy, I'll love you forever and will miss you forever.

Norma

October 24, 2012

Yolanda and Family! My deepest sympathy to the whole family! Que Dios la Bendiga!
Lillian Martinez & family.

Lillian Martinez

October 23, 2012

Lulu and Family
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Max was such a wonderful person he was always sharing his words of wisdom and was so dedicated towards helping everyone. Max will surely be missed.
May god bless you.
Hiram, Juanita Torres and Family

Juanita Torres

October 23, 2012

I'm sorry about your lost ,he was a wonderful man,my condolences goes your way may the good Lord bless you and gives you strength .Max is home with the Lord you are in our prayers.

Arturo y Carmen Lopez

October 22, 2012

Nuestro mas sentido pesame a Lulu y familia de parte Milagros y Juan H Gonzalez -Spring Hill,Fla.

Juan H Gonzalez

October 22, 2012

I am so deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend Max who was truly part of our extended family. He was like a brother to my father. Both mom and I will treasure the memories we have of Max, of his kindness and willingness to always help. He will surely be missed by all who knew him...My sincerest condolences to Lulu, his lovely wife, to the girls and the rest of the family. Con nuestro más sincero pésame, Carmen Pereira-Oldknow y Ulsina Pereira.

Carmen & Ulsina Pereira

October 22, 2012

We are so sorry for your loss. God give peace, love, and comfort to the family.

Carmelo & Yvonne Gonzalez

October 22, 2012

My sincerest condolence to Max's family
I new Max since the year 1969, whwn I moved to Vineland. He was a great guy, he was a person that when your air conditioner breaks down during those summer days hot temperature; you call Max and did not matter how small was the job he always comes on your rescue and he never ask for any compensation althogh you paid his service but were below the market fee service. Max thank you for your military service durung the 2nd world war. Max death is the reward of life. Max, life is eternal; and love is immortal; and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing but save the limit of our sight. MAY GOD REST YOUR SOUL IN PEACE.

Jose Alvarez, Korean War Veteran

October 22, 2012

So sorry for your loss, you are all in my thoughts

Karyn Stonehouse

October 22, 2012

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

Make a Donation
in Marcelino Figueroa's name

Memorial Events
for Marcelino Figueroa

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Marcelino's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Marcelino Figueroa's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more