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Gerald Frederick Marco
June 30, 1946 - August 18th, 2021
How do you begin to tell the full scope of a life well lived? There's love, loss, challenges, triumphs and all the mundane moments that truly matter at the end. This isn't the full story but a short tale that hopefully helps you know a man.
Gerald Frederick Marco, "Jerry" or "Marco" as most called him, was someone we were lucky enough to call, "Dad".
He was born in Vallejo, CA on June 30, 1946 to Era K. (Lovell) and Tom Marco Sr. Growing up in the Napa Valley was filled with outdoor adventures. Fishing with his brother, Tom Jr. and sister, Lynda, instilled a love and appreciation of nature that lasted his entire life.
That passion carried him into a career as a Fisheries Biologist. Where, in the early 70's, he found himself packing up his young family and moving from Napa to Inchelium, WA to begin the Fisheries program for the Colville Confederated Tribes. Our Dad spent nearly 40 years with the Tribe and it was his life's work to help bring Salmon runs back to their headwaters.
Once retired, his attention turned to the art of photography. He spent winters planning road trips and mapping hikes to the Southwest and National Parks to photograph water fowl and landscapes. Though his favorite subjects were the hummingbirds right out his front door.
Our Dad was a fierce competitor and great athlete. A lifelong learner who was curious and compassionate. A loyal friend who, at first, may have seemed shy but was a listener and true conversationalist. Our Dad valued his family, a good cigar and a summer throwing horseshoes with G&Ts. And he was always happiest on the lake fishing - even if we didn't catch anything (especially in fish alley).
His passing on August 18th, 2021 was abrupt. Succumbing to a very aggressive cancer that stole time. However, it gave us the gift to be present each day with him and he took his final breath surrounded by love.
Our Dad will be missed by many. He leaves behind the three of us girls: Dianne, Marnie and Tatum. His sons-in-law: Rod Sly, Brett Wiley and Steve Spalding. His grandsons, Kash (Jordan) and Karson Sly. His brother Tom Marco Jr., sister-in-law Maryanne, nieces Jennifer and Renee and nephew Gregg. As well as the lovely Joyce Maples who held a special place in his heart.
Dad was preceded in death by his parents, Tom Sr. and Kay as well as his adoring sister Lynda and brother-in-law Tony Costa.
A celebration of life will be held in June of 2022.
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Vicki Ichtertz (Snyder)
So sorry to read this. Thoughts and prayers to his family. Rest In peace, my friend.
Edward Svendsen (Svendsen)
Jerry and I were good friends for years after we graduated from high school. Jerry worked at Mare Island then went back to college and he lived with me and my first wife during my senior year at Humboldt State. We fished for Steelhead and when we had time we went to class. He majored in Fisheries Biology. After he graduated from college he moved back to Napa and lived with my parents for a year and was married in their yard. He moved to Kettle Falls, Washington, following his parents, after he obtained a position as the Fisheries Biologist on the Omak Indian Reservation. We kept in contact for a number of years then lost touch until our 50th Class Reunion in 2014. After that Jerry and Gary Branbrick visted us in Montana a couple summers to fly fish prior to my move to Belize.
Jerry was such a wonderful person and I have so many fond memories of our times together. Two weeks ago I received a call from his phone and answered "Hey Marco" only to find it was his youngest daughter calling me with the news of his passing. I'm so saddened by his passing but the memories of out great times together will last forever.
Bill Forsythe
Jerry was truly one of the good guys... Always fun to be around, and always had something to say. A great athelete who was humble and complementary to others. I am sorry for this loss. RIP
Charles Rinehart
Obviously a great athlete but more notably a wonderful person and friend. I will remember him fondly for it all.
Donna Paul (Wigington)
Jerry went to Pueblo Vista Elementary school with me. A lot of us classmates lived within walking distance. I had a cool American Flyer train set and Jerry would walk the fence down to my house to play with it. A lot of the boys would do that. We had a lot of fun but drifted apart in high school. RIP Jerry. My condolences to the family.
Jane Dickel (Jennison)
Fond memories of this great basketball personality with his ready smile!
Diane Raymond (Ball)
Jerry and I started classes together at Pueblo Vista Elementary School in 4th Grade. The School was brand new in a brand new Housing Track. We started by attending Double Session! The school was close enough to all the housing and was within walking distance. My older brother used to walk down to the Court where the Marco's lived and play football with Jerry's brother, Tommy, and some of the other older boys, Tommy Davis, Jerry Davis' brother, Dennis Pallet, and more. It was such a great neighborhood to grown up in that I even walked or rode my bike to the Pueblo Market, which was at the entire other end of the Housing Track.
Recently, at our 50th Reunion, I was able to catch-up with Jerry at the Brazelton Picnic (I think it was Brazelton. Joan Arruda would know, since she set up the Picnic) and really enjoyed our talk together. Jerry was such a nice guy, he will be missed.
My prayers and condolences go out to his family.
Cheryl Lloyd (La Fortune)
I will always have fond memories of Jerry, and now to hear about Gary Brambrink is so sad, I know you were friends. We used to hang out at Redwood and Napa High, and had so much fun being teenagers. Time has flown by, but all anyone has is their memories of how wonderful you were. Bless you!
Bruce Erricson
I'm very grateful to Jerry's daughter for posting this bio of Jerry. I wasn't a close friend of his, but certainly knew and respected him @ Napa High, and enjoyed watching his prowess in sports. I knew a little more about his life thanks to his close friend Ed Svendsen and others, and am glad I got to see him briefly at our reunion. He was truly one of the exceptional young men who graced our class.