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Julio Grajales Obituary
McALLEN - Julio Marcelo Grajales, 45, passed away Friday, May 30, 2008. He was born in La Paz, Bolivia. Marcelo was a devoted father who enjoyed spending time with his children and surrounding family. He began his career in broadcast radio in 1978 and is recognized as one of the Valley's most distinguished radio personalities. Marcelo had a passion for motor-crossing, cycling and spending time with his dog, Johnny.
He was preceded in death by his father, Luis Alfredo Grajales and is survived by his loving children, Anne Marie, Christina, and Marcelo, Jr. He is also survived by his mother, Rosario Grajales; his siblings, Luis Alfredo, Jr., Enrique, Rosario Patricia; brother- in-law, Brian Spear; and his two nephews, Matthew and Benjamin.
Visitation will be held from 12 to 8 p.m. with a rosary beginning at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, 2008, at Kreidler Funeral Home. The funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 5, 2008, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in McAllen. Interment will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Kreidler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of the arrangements. www.kreidlerfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Julio Grajales
Kevin stutz
May 28, 2024
Rest in peace we miss you so much
marylew finster
August 24, 2019
My son loved to listen to him on KBFM in Mcallen.! We lived in Halingen. I took him to visit and Marcello was so welcoming to a little 10year old!, MY son was enough was impressed that this obit that he sent it to his mom (me) MANY years later. That is a legacy in itself!!
Marcelo's grave stone, facing West, at Valley Memorial Gardens, McAllen, TX.
Kevin Shropshire
May 30, 2019
Marcelo's grave stone at Valley Memorial Gardens.
Kevin Shropshire
May 30, 2019
Marcelo reading in the audio booth.
Kevin Shropshire
May 30, 2019
Marcelo Grajales and Manuel Botello at Time Warner Media Sales.
Kevin Shropshire
May 30, 2019
Marcelo "flying" through the air via a green screen.
Kevin Shropshire
May 30, 2019
Kevin Shropshire
May 30, 2019
When Marcelo would come to read copy for TV commercials, he was always so positive. He was not a complainer. He had a great work ethic, and knew how to make work fun.
Familia Maloney
May 30, 2009
The eldest son of our dear friends Rosario and Luis Alfredo Grajales has been an important part of our consciouusness since 1977, the year we moved to McAllen. We remember his kindness, his wit, his talent as a radio personality, his friendliness, his smile. No one who met Marcela, never mind those of us who knew him well, will ever forget him. We will always love him as though he were a family member which, in truth, he was. We shall always enjoy the memories which he left for us.
Anna de Haro
December 26, 2008
Marcelo, Marcelo, Marcelo..I will never forget hearing that on KBFM back in 1980 and how you made my then boyfriend so jealous by dedicating songs to me. I just found out from the Mad Mexican that you passed away and I am still in shock. I will never forget you teaching me how to do a donut in your red celica in the parking lot of Edinburg High School and how you taught me how to drive stick shift in that car...oh how you loved that car. How can I forget how excited you were when I got you that doberman for Christmas..Natasha. You were so special my friend and if it wasn't for you I would never have met Crazy Steve and he would have never have hired me to be in radio. I still have your number in my cell and I can't bear to delete it. Rest in Peace my friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to your mom and the rest of your family. Thank you for the uplifting words the last time we spoke in March and for the laughs.
Londie Gonzalez
September 3, 2008
I worked with Marcelo during two stints at B-104 in the early and mid 80's. I'm truly saddened by his passing, knowing that a bright positive light like his is gone forever. He was a true professional, and an even better friend. And although I lost touch with him over the years, I never forgot the time I spent working with him, and the good times. I only wish that I had known sooner. Godspeed Marcelo.
Sandy Dorff-Dowling
June 25, 2008
I was saddened to hearing of Marcelo's passing. I have many fond memories of Marcelo, he was quite the character...always happy and smiling!
My condolences to the family....
John Otken
June 19, 2008
I met Marcelo when we were nine years old. We were very good friends for many years. My condolences to his family.
James Maloney
June 14, 2008
Rosario, Rosarito, Enrique, Luis, Brian, Matthew, Benjamin, As you well know, we were deeply shocked to hear of Marcelo's demise. We have had the priviledge of being close friends of the Grajales family, since 1977, and Marcelo's death brought deep saddness to our lives. It is as though a member of our own family had passed on, such a void has he left.
Fortunately, we have been able to keep in touch, principally with Rosario, most especially in these first, very difficult days. We shall continue to do so.
Abrazos y besos de
Lyliana, Jim, Steven, Lisa Maloney
Alicia Jimenez-garcia
June 12, 2008
I went back to my 1980 yearbook to find pictures of Marcelo once I heard of his passing. My thoughts and prayers go to his family during this difficult time.
lucreia marin
June 10, 2008
Hola Rosarito, hermanos y demas familia: Desde Miami, Dallas, Houston, y Austin les mandamos nuestras mas sinceras condolencias. The Poveda-Marin families (Tono, Lucre, Tony, Gus, Peter and families).
S.P. Richards Company
June 10, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of your loss and wish to offer the entire family our sincerest condolences. Rose, Brian, Matthew & Benjamin, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of sorrow.
John Paris
June 9, 2008
My sincere condolences to Marcelo's family. I can remember meeting Marcelo at Ben Milam Elementary, where we went to school together. Even though I had not seen him in years, I've never forgotten him.
Patty (Sandoval) Sralla
June 6, 2008
I had not seen Marcelo since high school but I have great memories of him trying to make me laugh all the time. He seemed so happy back then and he was one of the few people that you went out of your way to chat with. I'm very sorry about his early death and my prayers are with his family. God Bless.
Norma Cavazos
June 6, 2008
I worked with Marcelo back in the early 80's while at KBFM 104 in Edinburg. It was my first radio gig as a news broadcaster. Marcelo was a great person with a wonderful personality. He will be missed greatly!
My thoughts and prayers are with all the family members.
Annie Massie
June 6, 2008
Marcelo- I will miss you soo much. You had the best advice and I am so glad you were a part of our lives. You will not be forgotten. I wish I could go back to the weekends I found you napping on our sofa with Harley. We are so grateful to your family for letting us take part in honoring your memory. I think of you every time I hear Rob Thomas- Little Wonders. Love you Marcy!
Stacey Pinkerton Reasor
June 6, 2008
I remember Marcelo from high school (class of 80 Bulldogs) and even though we weren't very close, we were still friends. We had a few classes together and had a great time talking about all kinds of stuff. He had the best personality and was always smiling. I will always remember that about him. He had a great radio voice too-
My prayers go out to his entire family and I know that someday we will all be together again. God Bless!
Maria Eugenia Sanin
June 5, 2008
Para Rosario,Luis, Enrique, Rosarito, Bryan, Matthew, Ben, Ann Marie, Cristina, Marcelito Que dificil es comprender que JJ Montana "Marcelo" no esta en el aire, pero el ver a toda los amigos,companeros compartiendo con la familia su despedida nos recordo que tan especial era Marcelo siempre con su sonrisa y su voz que nos cautivo y asi permanecera para siempre, fue un ejemplo que todo estara bien, sea como sean las circunstancias, y siempre Rosario fue la numero uno, Marcelo siempre estaras con nosotros, mi sentido de pesame y con profundo dolor para todos los Grajales con amor Maria Eugenia Sanin, Carolyne, Jonathan, Luis Matthew Arango
Ulysses
June 5, 2008
In the years I worked and knew Marcelo I can honestly say I never heard him complain about anything. He always had a smile on his face and was always a happy go luck person. He could always be counted on. We need more like him!
My wife and I send you our true condolences.
Sandra & Irma
June 5, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
The Mad Mexican
June 5, 2008
My sincere condolences to the Grajales family in this time of sorrow. I knew, worked, and cared deeply for this man. He will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him and everyone whose lives he touched. Descanza En Paz, Chiquito!
Duke Soto
June 5, 2008
I worked with Marcelo back in the late 80s/Early 90s at B-104 (KBFM) in Edinburg.
He might have been J.J. Montana on the air, but he was always Marcelo to me.
Always smiling, always in a good mood. He was a good friend, a good co worker and will be missed.
Duke Soto
"The Dukester"
David Morales
June 5, 2008
My condolences to the Grajales family during this difficult time. I was a neighborhood friend of Marcelo many years ago. How fast the years go by! I will always remember his facination of motorcycles and fast cars. I remember the time I asked him why he was wearing a motorcycle helmet when he didn't even own a motorcycle and his response was that since he had the helmet, now his parents would have to buy him one. I still remember those crazy car stunts he would pull around the neighborhood. The block long wheelies on his bike were a feat that no one could match. What a rush. You will be missed by all.
Mark McLafferty
June 5, 2008
I knew Marcelo in high school and remember him as always being positive and a really good guy. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Jesse "Chuy" Garza
June 5, 2008
My condolences to the Grajales family in their time of grief. I was very saddened to hear the news about a friend. It was pleasure knowing you "JJ". My thoughts and prayers go out to the family as well. May God Bless.
Jesse Rodriguez
June 4, 2008
may God be with you, I knew marcelo in high school a good guy,will miss you
Vangie storer
June 4, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Al Garza
June 4, 2008
It was a pleasure to have known you even though it wasn't long. I am going to miss seeing you on the training field with Johnny next to you. Ramiro and I will continue to work Johnny because we know that is what you would wants us to keep doing. God now has a great trainer for his dogs! My deepest and sincere sympathy goes to his family and friends.
Kathy
June 4, 2008
To the Grajales Family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I always looked forward to and enjoyed listening to JJ on the radio everyday. He will be truly missed.
Steve Muenich
June 4, 2008
Marcelo, Thanks for being a true friend. I will always remember your great personality. In high school we would both try and see who could get the lowest passing grade. How crazy is that?
You have a beautiful family, and they should be proud to have a dad like you.
God Bless You Marcelo.
Class of 1980 McHi Bulldogs.
Elsie (Garza) Brown
June 4, 2008
I was saddened by the loss of my friend Marcelo. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Esteban Longoria
June 4, 2008
I will always remember playing on our bikes and jumping ramps pretending to be Evil Knievel when we were kids. You were a good neighbor and friend. My condolences to your mother, brothers and sister.
Lisa Castillo-Salinas
June 4, 2008
I met Marcelo 10 years ago when he owned the answering service. I worked as a telephone operator for him for about a year and then low and behold I joined Entravision 7 years ago and I have worked with him ever since. Marcelo has to be the kindest person I have ever know. I can't remember him ever upset or not smiling....My prayers are with his family whom he talked of often....He will be deeply missed....
JEANNIE HEGGE
June 4, 2008
MARCELO,
A NAME & VOICE I WILL NEVER FORGET.. IT TAKES ME BACK TO THE MID- 70'S I WAS ONLY 11 YRS OLD.. AND I ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW WHO THE GUY WITH THAT BEAUTIFUL VOICE ON KBFM WAS...I NEVER GOT TO MEET YOU.. BUT I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU..MAY U RIP.. MY THOUGHTS & PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE GRAJALES FAMILY..
Crissy Leija
June 4, 2008
With my deepest condolences for the Grajales family, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Wendy Wicker
June 4, 2008
I met Marcelo in High School. He was a good friend of my boyfriend, so much that when we married, Marcelo was in our wedding party. You were a great friend, through good and bad times. My son still doesn't know why you called him Snapperhead! We will miss you dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. RIP
Beth Ann (Wiley) Parks
June 4, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Paul Alvarado Jr
June 4, 2008
Hey JJ
Keep the muzzle Down Range and save me a seat on the range.
Eric Olea
June 4, 2008
Thoughts and prayers are with his children, his brothers and his mother. The years I spent as your friend made me a better person. Thank you and your family for everything!
Paula Chandler
June 4, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. I went to school with Marcello and he was a very nice and funny person and will be missed by many. My prayers are with you all during your time of grief.
angus davis
June 4, 2008
I knew Marcelo in high school , and wish his family well.
Pete Salas III
June 4, 2008
He was the first person Ive ever met in my life, where I knew instantly, that he was a great guy. It usually took no more than a few minutes upon meeting JJ to become his friend.
I will miss him walking in everyday at 9:50am and sitting with Marky and myself for 10 minutes before he went on the air, telling hilarious stories about life as only JJ could tell them.
We called them "Montana Life Lessons", and they all began with one line "Hey, let me tell you something man..."
My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.
Goodbye my friend, you will always be "My Hero".
Tony Guzman
June 4, 2008
Marcelo was a personal friend and fellow broadcaster back in the B-104 days with the Mad Mexican, Bravo, Cruise, Dusty, Billy Santiago, Butler, and myself Tony Gee. I am saddened and will miss you very much, I have many fond memories working with J.J. and knowing him. My deepest sympathy to his children and family.
Arthur Barrera
June 4, 2008
Marcelo, I remember the good old days at McHi when we skipped lunch and ate at Sonic instead, and you had to drive your Celica into Sonic backwards! Also, thanks for that last dirt bike ride we had last year, it was a blast. Take care buddy, I am going to miss you!
Rubi Saenz
June 4, 2008
You will always be in our hearts and prayers. We will miss your sensitivity and charisma. You were an amazing DJ.
Dikki Guerra
June 4, 2008
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Grajales family.
Howard Hawbaker
June 4, 2008
I guess this is the point where I kick myself in the butt for not spending more time with my friends when I had the chance. Marcelo's passing is a swift dose of reality that should remind us that we never know when we or someone we know and love will be leaving.
I've known Marcelo since I was a sophomore in high school. Most of his long-time friends will remember his red Celica with the personalized plate "MRCELO" (When asked about the missing letter, his response was always: "I've got my 'A' in the trunk")?! We had that type of friendship where we could go for weeks or months without seeing or talking to one another. Then, when we did get back together, we seemed to just pick up right where we left off!
Yesterday, someone asked me what I'm going to miss most about Marcelo. I told them that I'm going to miss the phone calls announcing "Hey its your hero, Marcelo". Mostly though, I'm going to miss my life-long friend, buddy, and one-time patrol partner at the Sheriff's Office. Hopefully, we'll seew each other again some day. Hopefully, we can just pick up right where we left off.
I ask for the Lord to watch over Marcelo and his family. Please help ease the pain for all of our loss in this difficult time. May God bless you all.
Ricky Linn
June 4, 2008
Sure will miss my old friend. We had lots of fun years back riding motorcycles and hanging around at the Honda shop. I don't think I ever saw him all the years I knew him without a smile. God bless you buddy, we will meet again.
Margie Barrera
June 4, 2008
It was a pleasure to hear Anne Marie talk about her father and the wonderful times they had. Our prayers are with "the" Anne Marie and her family.
We love you!!
Eduardo ,Mari & Sophia Martinez
June 4, 2008
Our deepest sympathy and Prayers to The Grajales Family. To Anne Marie ,Christy and Marcelito.
From : The Martinez Family.
Kevin Stutz
June 3, 2008
Although I had not seen Marcelo for several years I have great memories of him. He will be missed. God bless all his family.
Jaime Sanchez
June 3, 2008
It is always hard to see a good person and fellow bulldog leave us. God bless you and your family Marcelo.
Erica Gutierrez
June 3, 2008
Marcelo was a wonderful person, boss and friend, he will be greatly missed by everyone who's life he touched. My prayers go out to his family.
Anthony Conway
June 3, 2008
J.J. there are no words that can express the void I feel with your passing. I was blessed with your friendship for only a couple of years, but they were truly special. You were very dear to me, and I will never forget you. Until we meet again...
Araceli Conway
June 3, 2008
I only knew you for a short time, but you were a very special friend to my husband. You had a way with people; you offered this unconditional friendship and love. You will be missed.
Jerry and Sandra Guerra
June 3, 2008
Marcelo will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. God Speed my friend!
Jerry and Sandra Guerra
Jerry Medina
June 3, 2008
Marcelo you will be missed from all the friends you ever made, I had never meet a person with so much happy spirt! We will miss your smile.
Kevin Shropshire
June 3, 2008
Marcelo was always very positive and generous. I've enjoyed knowing and working with him these past 12 years. To Marcelo's family and close friends, I am truly sorry for your loss. You're all in my prayers.
janie Salazar
June 3, 2008
my thoughts and prayers to the family.
Bobby Yancy
June 3, 2008
Although we hadn't spoke in many years I have only great memories of you. You will be missed. Rest in peace my friend.
Victor Zavala
June 3, 2008
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cynthia Arredondo
June 3, 2008
I miss you and love you and am so proud to have had you in my life. My deepest sorrows to your family.
Garry Copple
June 3, 2008
I was sad to learn of the loss of Marcelo. I will remember him as a good person and a good friend. My deepest condolences to the Grajales family.
Maria Reyes
June 3, 2008
You will be missed. Our thoughts are with you and your family. You brought happiness to our homes. We will miss you.
Leo Trevino
June 3, 2008
My sympathy to the family and his many friends. The world was a better place because he was here with us. We will miss him.
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