Jose Marcelo Jusay Pineda

JOSE "JOE or JOEY" MARCELO J. PINEDA 1967-2023.

Joe unexpectedly passed away on June 14, 2023, at the age of 55. He was born in Arlington, Virginia on September 26, 1967. At six months of age, his family moved to the Philippines where he attended Colegio De San Juan De Letran in Manila until the age of 13, at which time his family moved to Glendale, California. He attended Glendale High School and participated in a cappella choir, cheerleading, track, achieved black belt in Sikaran martial arts and graduated with honors in 1986. Joe attended California State University Long Beach and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Marketing in 1992. Joe also graduated from American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco.

While in San Francisco, Joe joined Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu halau dance troupe where he met his husband Tom Merrick while on a 2001 trip to Honolulu for a performance. They both immediately fell in love. Joe and Tom lived in California for six years before moving to Hawaii where they made their home.

Joe has always excelled at everything he did. Even in junior high his schoolteacher wrote in his yearbook, "Jose is the TOP boy I've ever had...courteous, intelligent, and hard working", a comment which exemplified his entire life. He was a member in good standing of the Screen Actors Guild with credits in film, television, commercials, and theater. Joe found his true professional passion as an award-winning Hawaii realtor; he loved helping people buy and sell their homes. He trademarked his career by going above and beyond to make his properties show their best, and he especially enjoyed staging them. His powerful negotiation skills are why many of his clients said that he was their 'SECRET WEAPON'.

Joe loved to travel with his husband. They had been on six of the seven continents and more than 20 cruises. He was an avid photographer and documented their journeys. Joe was a consummate host; he loved connecting with and bringing out the best in people. He will be remembered for much more than there is room to mention, but most of all for his wicked sense of humor, his caring spirit, his clever wit and, of course, that MEGAWATT smile.

Joe was posthumously awarded the Gregory House 2023 Kahu Malama Award in recognition of decades of service for people in need, and an unwavering commitment to equality and human rights.

Joe is survived by his husband Tom Merrick, his parents Aida and Nilo Pineda, his brothers Ron Pineda (Anna), Dani-Paul Pineda (Marcia), Peter Pineda (Arlene) and sister Jena Steinbauer (Rob) and six nieces and nephews.

Joe's ashes were spread into the waters off of Waikiki on July 9, 2023 from the Vida Mia yacht. They were also interned in the Family Columbarium of Blessedness at Patriots Terrace in Freedom Mausoleum at Glendale California Forest Lawn on July 14, 2023 with a blessing from Fr. Prosper of Glendale Holy Family Catholic Church and followed by a release of doves by the family.

A Celebration of Life was held on March 22, 2024 at Waikiki Elks Lodge in Honolulu, Hawaii.

To make a donation in Jose Pineda's name, please visit Joey's Place at Gregory House Programs.