David C. Marquez Sr.

Everyone’s life is the sum total of all of the people they have met, the things they have done, the places they have gone. David C. Marquez, Sr. was no exception. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, David will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

David’s life journey began on December 29, 1920. He first greeted the world in Manila, Philippines. His parents' names were Vicente Reyes Marquez, Sr. and Teodorica Cajulis. He was raised in the city of Manila and province of Cavite, Philippines with seven siblings, Daniel, Consuelo (passed away in childhood), Pablo, Petronila, Aquilina, Demosthenes and Vicente Jr. David was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his family sharing many special life experiences over the years.

As a young man, David attended the University of the Philippines. There he took up pre-medicine, only to have his studies interrupted by war when the country was occupied by Japan. He enlisted in the Philippine Army under The United States of America at the age of 23 as a T/Sergeant. He served briefly and was honorably discharged when their unit was de-mobilized after the Philippine Liberation from Japanese occupation. After his discharge in 1945, he began working at the Pasay Club of the American Red Cross and was designated to be in full charge of the club directors office. He transferred after being promoted to accountant on December 1, 1945 to The American Red Cross Roosevelt Club.

During these times, David chose to continue his education by enrolling at Far Eastern University where he later graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce in 1947.

Sometime after the war, David was taken ill and was confined for a long period of time at the San Lazaro General Hospital in Manila. It was here that he met his future wife, Gaudencia Santos Cueto. The two happily exchanged wedding vows on September 15, 1948 at Kawit Catholic Church in Kawit, Cavite, Philippines. The two shared many loving and happy years of marriage.

While everything a person does in life contributes to who they grow into, it is ultimately this same person who holds the most influence on the next generation. David and Gaudencia were blessed with four children, Maria Paulina, Rosalinda, David, Jr. and Benjamin. After the birth of their first child, Gaudencia became a full time housewife and the primary caretaker of their family.

On May 10, 1950, David passed the Philippine Board Examination and became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with the Certificate No. 1814. He became one of the earliest CPA’s in the Philippines. He was also a member of the Philippine Institute of Accountants. After acquiring his CPA license, David joined the Tulio CPA Review Firm in Iloilo City, Philippines as a reviewer and instructor. Being away from his family proved difficult and David decided to return to his home province of Cavite where he decided to turn a hobby of hatching poultry into a business.

From a modest start in the 1950’s, David built a poultry enterprise that was the envy of many, making him one of the top ten poultry raisers in the country within its first ten years. He developed and built his own incubators and bred his own stock. Other poultry farmers bought their stock from the farm, some export orders coming from the United States. His farm was visited by students and professors from the University of the Philippines, Araneta University and other schools, as well as by pharmaceutical companies and feed suppliers. He was often invited to be a speaker at poultry conventions and conferences. The farm had also been featured in industry magazines. David decided to retire from the business in the early 1970’s.

David, like his father and brothers, was an active member the Masonic Order and belonged to the Primera Luz Filipina Lodge No. 69 in Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite. He became a Grand Master in 1957 and was a former regional Grand Master. In November of 1976, he was awarded the Certificate of Life Membership by his lodge.

David was also a Scotish Rite Mason, thirty second degree, and a member of the Luzon Bodies, Harmony Lodge of Perfection, Fraternity Chapter of the Rose Croix, Liberty Council of Kadosh and Equality Consistory, M.R.S.

David enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in a number of different activities. He was an avid fisherman like his father and his interest in salt water fishing was later passed on to his son, David Jr. The two would go fishing together at any given opportunity. They enjoyed going on party boats for deep sea fishing, but also enjoyed just fishing on the piers. David enjoyed designing his own fishing gear which attracted the attention of fellow enthusiasts because of his catch. Aside from fishing, David enjoyed solving crossword puzzles, reading and watching movies. He also enjoyed food, especially buffets, and was himself, an excellent cook. Together with his wife, Gaudencia, the fried chicken and chicken potato salad they served was always a hit.

As the years passed, David was blessed to have the opportunity of watching his family grow and succeed. His daughter, Maria Paulina married Gregory Jones and gave birth to two children Phillip Meynard and Stephanie Marie. The family resides in Perth, Australia. Daughter, Rosalinda became a licensed CPA in California and is a Vice President and Controller at a large Credit Union in Chatsworth, California. She resides in Porter Ranch, California. Son, David Jr. retired from the United States Navy and currently works for a naval supplies contractor. He married Benedicta Francisco and resides in San Diego, California. David had one child who passed away in infancy. Benedicta has one son, Jason by a previous marriage. Son, Benjamin married Corazon Campos and had three children, Francis Aaron, Miriam and Timothy. The family resides in El Cajon, California. David was also blessed with several grandchildren and great grandchildren through his nephews and nieces. Sadly, David’s wife Gaudencia passed away on December 11, 1992.

David Marquez, Sr. left us on July 9, 2011. He passed away in National City, California of congestive heart failure. He is survived by his children Pauline Marquez- Jones and husband Greg, Linda Marquez, David Marquez Jr. and wife Aida, Ben Marquez and wife Coy; his grandchildren Phillip, Stephanie, Francis, Bambi and Tim as well as many other relatives and friends. Services were handled by Glen Abbey Mortuary. A Funeral Service was held at The Little Chapel of the Roses on July 16, 2011. David was laid to rest at Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita, California.

Simply stated, David was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being caring and giving, someone who was a vital part of their lives. David leaves behind him a legacy of lifelong friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life David C. Marquez, Sr. touched will always remember him with a smile.