Post by TheShadow on Jul 10, 2008 21:55:20 GMT -5
alamedasun.com
Written by David DeBolt
As a longtime employee of the Del Monte Cannery, where he worked until its closure, George Marceline was accustomed to rising early. Long into retirement, the Alameda resident would still fasten his shoes before dawn to embark on his usual journey down Shore Line Drive near Crown Beach.
Family and friends regularly spotted Marceline, affectionately known as "Uncle Joe," walking down Park Street or along the pedestrian path abutting San Francisco Bay.
Like any other Saturday, Marceline rose while Alameda was asleep and began his stroll around the town where he grew up as the youngest of 11 siblings. The steps would be his last.
Marceline was fatally struck from behind by an SUV around 5:30 a.m. as he walked east down Shore Line Drive heading toward his home. He was 78.
As the burnt-red sun faded behind the smoky San Francisco skyline Tuesday, family and friends of "Uncle Joe" gathered around a makeshift memorial on the pedestrian pathway where police found him Saturday morning. Lighting candles, the mourners formed a circle and shared memories that made some laugh, and others cry.
Generations of Marcelines spoke of an uncle with a warm smile who gave anything — and everything — to the family he loved. Marceline brought gifts with him wherever he went and his room was often described as a store, equipped with goodies and trinkets, doled out to loved ones on every occasion.
"It might be something from 1920 all torn up. He'd give you a phone book that was half filled out," his nephew Richard Cravalho, 46, said. "It was the thought that counted. He'd give you the shirt off his back."
His nephew by marriage wore a golf sweater Marceline picked up for him. His great nieces wore Raiders apparel, a tribute to his dedication to the Silver and Black.
Marceline grew up in Alameda and excelled in football and baseball at Alameda High School. He worked at the Del Monte Cannery, along with his two brothers. He spent his Sundays with his beloved Raiders and his Thursdays with the "McGee's 10," a group named after the Park Street tavern they frequented.
After his brother Pete died in 1960, he became a father figure for his 1-year-old nephew, Gino. "Any event that was important for me, he was there. He had a big heart," Gino Marceline, now 48, said.
Recently, Marceline moved back to Alameda from Oakland. Family said he was happy and excited to be able to walk familiar streets and see familiar faces.
His niece, Claudette Peterson, began walking the path with her childhood friend Sandra Hing a few months ago to get in shape for their 55-year reunion at Encinal High School. The workout has taken on a new meaning. "Every time we walk that path we'll always think about Uncle Joe. He'll be in our hearts," Hing said.
Peterson said the mother of Dionisio Molina, the accused driver, had wanted to attend the memorial to extend her condolences. But a mutual friend who planned to translate from her native Tagalog could not attend, so Molina's mother also did not attend.
Marceline is survived by son Tony Marceline and granddaughter Mila, both of Sacramento, sisters Mary McLain of Oakland and Gloria Lombard of Paradise, brother Henry Marceline of Alameda and several nieces and nephews.
Written by David DeBolt
As a longtime employee of the Del Monte Cannery, where he worked until its closure, George Marceline was accustomed to rising early. Long into retirement, the Alameda resident would still fasten his shoes before dawn to embark on his usual journey down Shore Line Drive near Crown Beach.
Family and friends regularly spotted Marceline, affectionately known as "Uncle Joe," walking down Park Street or along the pedestrian path abutting San Francisco Bay.
Like any other Saturday, Marceline rose while Alameda was asleep and began his stroll around the town where he grew up as the youngest of 11 siblings. The steps would be his last.
Marceline was fatally struck from behind by an SUV around 5:30 a.m. as he walked east down Shore Line Drive heading toward his home. He was 78.
As the burnt-red sun faded behind the smoky San Francisco skyline Tuesday, family and friends of "Uncle Joe" gathered around a makeshift memorial on the pedestrian pathway where police found him Saturday morning. Lighting candles, the mourners formed a circle and shared memories that made some laugh, and others cry.
Generations of Marcelines spoke of an uncle with a warm smile who gave anything — and everything — to the family he loved. Marceline brought gifts with him wherever he went and his room was often described as a store, equipped with goodies and trinkets, doled out to loved ones on every occasion.
"It might be something from 1920 all torn up. He'd give you a phone book that was half filled out," his nephew Richard Cravalho, 46, said. "It was the thought that counted. He'd give you the shirt off his back."
His nephew by marriage wore a golf sweater Marceline picked up for him. His great nieces wore Raiders apparel, a tribute to his dedication to the Silver and Black.
Marceline grew up in Alameda and excelled in football and baseball at Alameda High School. He worked at the Del Monte Cannery, along with his two brothers. He spent his Sundays with his beloved Raiders and his Thursdays with the "McGee's 10," a group named after the Park Street tavern they frequented.
After his brother Pete died in 1960, he became a father figure for his 1-year-old nephew, Gino. "Any event that was important for me, he was there. He had a big heart," Gino Marceline, now 48, said.
Recently, Marceline moved back to Alameda from Oakland. Family said he was happy and excited to be able to walk familiar streets and see familiar faces.
His niece, Claudette Peterson, began walking the path with her childhood friend Sandra Hing a few months ago to get in shape for their 55-year reunion at Encinal High School. The workout has taken on a new meaning. "Every time we walk that path we'll always think about Uncle Joe. He'll be in our hearts," Hing said.
Peterson said the mother of Dionisio Molina, the accused driver, had wanted to attend the memorial to extend her condolences. But a mutual friend who planned to translate from her native Tagalog could not attend, so Molina's mother also did not attend.
Marceline is survived by son Tony Marceline and granddaughter Mila, both of Sacramento, sisters Mary McLain of Oakland and Gloria Lombard of Paradise, brother Henry Marceline of Alameda and several nieces and nephews.