Marcus Francisco Prince

Born on May 16, 1987, in French Camp, California, Marcus came into this world with a fire in his spirit and a deep curiosity for life. He was strong-willed from the start—bold, full of questions, always seeking adventure, and never too far from his family’s side.

His very first love was his grandmother, Maria Luisa Mercado, who helped shape his deep, affectionate soul. Thanks to his uncle Marty Mercado, Marcus found a lifelong love for fishing. His Aunt Karen Kayton was his calm in the chaos—always there with a listening ear, a warm hug, and the kind of honest advice only she could deliver.

Throughout his childhood, Marcus traveled to many states with his family, collecting stories, building character, and growing into the kind of man you don’t just remember—you feel.

Marcus earned his Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!). As a proud brother of Phi Beta Sigma, he embodied the values of leadership, mentorship, and service. His fraternity brothers describe him best: authentic, intentionally vulnerable, fiercely compassionate—and the kind of guy who'd call you out and lift you up in the same breath.

Marcus met Erin at Southern Lehigh High School. What started as a classic “you sat next to me in class” moment became a Hallmark-worthy romance. She quickly became part of the Prince family—ready or not—and together, they built a beautiful life full of laughter, loyalty, and two incredible daughters. Marcus was a fiercely devoted husband and a loving, hands-on #GirlDad to Aurora and Azura, who inherited both his wit and warmth.

Marcus is survived by his wife and best friend, Erin Prince; his daughters, Aurora and Azura Prince; his parents, Anita and Gerald Prince; his sisters, Alica, Andrea, and Brianna Prince; his nephew, Noah Williams; his great-grandmother, Maria Knox; and his beloved grandmother, Maria Luisa Mercado. He also leaves behind a wide and wonderful circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and chosen family who were all touched by his light.

He joins in heaven his younger brother, Gage Andrew Prince; great-grandfather Deryck Knox; grandfathers Hector Mercado and Paul Prince; grandmother Geraldine Boyden; uncles Mark Boyden, Ricky Knox, and Michael Jimenez; aunts Constance Lee and Christina Mercado; and cousins Andre Knox and Kristian Logan. We trust he welcomed them all with a hug, a smart remark, and probably a fishing pole.

A celebration of Marcus’s life will be held on Sunday, August 3, from 1:00-3:00 PM at Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Services, with fellowship and refreshments to follow. From 2:00-3:00 PM, we will hold a time of remembrance, open to anyone who wishes to share a story, a laugh, or a few words in his honor.

“Our dearest Prince, we cry for you today and maybe even tomorrow, but the joy you’ve given our hearts will eventually replace the sorrow. So, as we lay you to rest, we ask for one last request. Please understand the impact you’ve made and the huge role you have always played.” — Brianna Prince

Marcus may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. We’ll miss his laugh, his love, his relentless honesty, and that signature Marcus charm that could fill a room. Rest easy, our Prince. You were truly one of a kind.