Marsell Crossland

Marsell was educated in Santa Barbara, California area schools. Marsell was known as a child for teasing his siblings. Marsell was the fourth of eight siblings, Marsell spent much time during his early years teasing and harassing his sisters, along with entertaining them in church. He liked telling jokes and making people laugh even at an early age.

In 1952 he enlisted in the Air Force and started a 20 year career that took him to many points around the world. On one of his tours of duty, at Clark AFB, Philippines he met his wife, Ofelia. They had two children, Ava & Marcel. Marsell and Ofelia celebrated 56 years of marriage on April 6, 2012.

Marsell retired from the Air Force in May of 1972. He and the family came to the San Francisco Bay Area, where is mother and father resided. He started working at San Francisco Municipal Railways in 1973 and continued there until he retired in 1995. Marsell was known to be a very hard working and personable guy and the fact that he won many awards during his employment with SF Muni, is a testament to that fact. He had a credible work ethic, and often worked two jobs to support his family. He was definitely the “breadwinner” as he made sure that his wife was able to stay home and raise the children and be a housewife.

After his retirement from SF Muni, Marsell became an avid fisherman, often times cleaning his catch with such care, however he never ate them! He also like “que-ing” in the backyard and entertaining his family and friends.

In his illness Marsell still maintained his jovial disposition and displayed commendable courage, strength and faith. He will be remembered by a lot of his caregivers for his jokes and his desire to make them laugh.

Marsell was preceded in death by his mother, Clara Crossland; his father Ernest Crossland and grandson, Nicholas Espinoza. He is survived by his wife Ofelia, his daughter Ava, his son Marcel; his grandchildren Nicole Espinoza, Dana, Drew and Taylor Crossland; great grandchildren Anthony Espinoza and Sienna Hasty- Crossland; sisters Mamie, Helen, Thelma, Joyce and Clarice; brothers Ernie and Harold; also a host of nephews, nieces, great grand nieces and nephews, cousins and other family members and friends.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 11 am at Lima Family Milpitas Fremont Mortuary in Fremont, CA. Friends may visit on Tuesday, April 24 from 3-9pm and Reflections will be at 7PM on Tuesday evening.