Obituary of Marcelino Figueroa

Marcelino "Max" Collazo Figueroa, 88, of Vineland went to be with his Lord on Thursday, October 18, 2012, surrounded by his family at the South Jersey Healthcare Hospice Center in Bridgeton. Born in Jayuya, Puerto Rico he graduated high school and then attended training Rodriguez General Hospital where he graduated as a registered nurse. He then enlisted in the United States Army during WWII serving as a nurse and physician assistant. Max moved to Vineland, where he landed a job with Kimble Glass in the Scientific Department. Then in 1955 to 1979 Max was the first Puerto Rican DJ in Vineland on 1060 WWBZ and received several awards. In 1958 he graduated from General Motors Vocational Education in Camden as a refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic. He practiced his skill from 1958 to 1973 with Authur Lehmann and Sons Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. He continued his education and received several certificates from Thomas Edison College, Atlantic Community College, and Atkins College in Columbia, NY, and he became a Life Skills Educator for what is now known as the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) from 1973 to 1992. In between these activities Max, Juan Charron, Rev. Juan Perez and Frank Tejera found the time to organize what is now known as Casa Prac. It was established to assist the Hispanic community in all needs, legal, medical, transportation, etc. Max was associated with various organizations for over 25 years, all to help the Hispanic Community. For the past 20 years he's been Vice President of the Cumberland County Board of Social Services. Max was a loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather and was always there for his family. He is predeceased by his daughter Lilia Esther Collazo. Max is survived by his wife of 65 years Luz (Rodriguez) Figueroa of Vineland, three daughters, Brunilda (Bobbie) Scarani of Hammonton, Norma (Carmen) Puccio of Maine, and Yolanda (Robert) Wright of Vineland, Sister, Antonia Collazo of Puerto Rico, grandchildren; David, Jason and Matthew Puccio, Heather Papiano, Alison Wright, and Vanessa Scarani, great-grandchildre; Alexis and Aiden Puccio, Damian McFarland, Riley, Morgan, and Henry Papiano, great-great-grandchildren, Elijiah and Nadiya Puccio, sister-in-laws, Justina Herman and Esther Barreiro both of Vineland and several nieces and nephews. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday at 10am at the Iglesia Presbiteriana Hispana Bet-El, 410 S. 4th Street, Vineland. Burial will follow in Siloam Cemetery. Friends will be received on Tuesday from 6pm to 9pm at the DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home 2755 S. Lincoln Ave., Vineland and on Wednesday morning from 9am to 10am at the CHURCH. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the South Jersey Healthcare HospiceCare, P.O. Box 160, Bridgeton, NJ 08302 or to the Iglesia Presbiteriana Hispana Bet-El.