Obituaries

Marcelino V. Campa born 1934, in Pearsall Texas. He and family migrated from Texas to California when he was 12 in search of the “American Dream”. He and his family were field workers, while working he attended Decoto School in Union City and Washington High School in Fremont. A tragic motor-cycle accident derailed his military aspirations. After a long recovery, he extended his education to Oakland City College and graduated in Business Machine Operations and later com-pleted an extension course in Business Administration and Management at the University of California. Marcelino then met and married the love of his life Maria Flores in 1960.

Being involved in his community and helping people was his passion in life and this is what motivated him to get into local politics. In 1961, Marcelino organized the Jaycee’s, which was a Junior Chamber of Commerce leadership training for people ages 18-40 and later becoming President. In 1962-1963, he was elected president of Union City’s Junior Chamber of Commerce and Marcelino and Maria started their family and had their son Ralph and daughter Yolanda. In 1964 Marcelino and Maria launched Fremont Typewriter Company and had a thriving successful business for 30 years. The launch of their business was the peak of his public service career. During this time, he was also appointed to the Parks Commission and the Post Vice Chairman. 1966-1969, Marcelino and Maria had ex-tended their family with the birth of their two daughters Diana and Annamaria.

In February of 1970, Marcelino was elected Chairman of Union City Parks and Recreation and Past Finance Chairman for Parks, Street Bonds and Bond issues for Union City. In 1970 Marcelino was the driving force of the Los Robles Apartment Project which was a construction project that built housing for low-income families. Because of this project, the Union City Housing Law was modified to require the city to provide a place holder for low-income housing. He taught people that if you didn’t have the money to donate to your community that you can donate your time. Marcelino was an active member of Our Lady of The Rosary Church in Union City and was the Past Chairman of Union City Chapter of the American GI Forum, which led him to be the Scholarship Chairman of the American GI Forum. He volunteered his time as a Member of The Central Lions Club, Fremont Chambers of Commerce and Centerville Men’s Association.

His favorite saying was, “to measure five times, cut once” and “to always take care of number one." Marcelino’s talents were many, accomplished businessman, public servant, builder, a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grand-father, great grandfather and best friend. Marcelino was a big family man and a very hands-on grandfather and great grand-father. He attended their birthdays, graduations, sports games, and milestone events for all of his children, grand-children and great grandchildren. He also shared all his knowledge about construction and mechanics with his children and grandchildren.

Marcelino loved to give advice and he always knew what to say for any situation. If anyone had a problem, he had five solutions and always taught good values and to look out for the underdog. He enjoyed camping, collecting coins, road trips with his family and hunting throughout the United States. In later years as his family and business grew, Marcelino did not have much time left for public service however, throughout the success of their business, they were able to sponsor local sports teams. Marcelino peacefully passed away six days shy of his 61st wedding anniversary. Preceded in death by his parents Luis and Theresa Campa and brother Louie Campa, two sisters Marie and Alicia. He is survived by his three sisters Louisa, Alvesa, Theresa, wife of 61 years Maria and children Annamaria Campa; Diana Maria Campa, Yolanda Maria Campa, Ralph Joseph Campa, Marcelino L. Campa, 9 grandchildren and 10.5 great grand-children, numerous nieces, nephews and friends.