Marcelin is survived by his wife Mariam Ide, his children Souraya Paula, Naima Farida, Moubarak Appo, Ousmane, Pascaline, Laeticia, Josephine, and Romaric; his siblings Anatole, Noelie and Richard; his nephews Zackary, Alexandre and niece Gabrielle. He is predeceased by his brother Alfred and his sisters Rose and Sister Josephine; his father Raphael and mother Albertine Nare.
Marcelin was born on September 24, 1971 in Koupela. His passion for cooking and independence led him to start his adult life with a barbecue restaurant that people affectionately called “Marcelin Gobre” for being left handed. Marcelin immigrated to the US in 2003 because of his passion for adventure. Marcelin will be remembered as a hard working person whom employers and co-workers admired for his dedication and love for jobs well done, his endless smiles and his caring spirit. Marcelin met the woman of his life Mariama Ide who shared the same passion for cooking. Together they opened a restaurant called “Mariama’s African and Jamaican Restaurant” and diversified the menu to include West African and the Caribbean dishes that Harrisburg and its suburbs have enjoyed to this day.
Marcelin was a unifier who would advise anyone that he meets. He loved having people around him and could not help joking and teasing his friends. He loved spending time with his children and taking them out dinning in their favorite restaurants. Mariama loved his everlasting care for her, his desire to always please her, see her happy and will forever miss her “other half” who would do anything to provide for his family. “We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Marcelin during his 48 years, among them: “However sick is an old man, he will never die before his due day.” In his last days, Marcelin recommended we focus more on being together, spending time together than running for money and valuables. He recommended we forgive and forget and be helpful and useful to one another. Marcelin left us with broken hearts for leaving us so soon but his legacy will live as an indelible mark in each heart. As we mourn him, let’s focus more on the great things he taught us and the memorable moments we had with him.
A viewing is scheduled on Saturday February 29 from 10 am - 12 noon, followed by a funeral service at Saint Catherine Laboure Church on 4000 Derry St, Harrisburg, PA 17111. The burial is at the Catholic Holy Cross Cemetery.
Arrangements are being handled by Neill Funeral Home, Paxtang.
