In loving memory of Pedro "Peter" Juan Marquez

Obituary

Pedro “Peter” Marquez, a caring and generous father, brother, uncle and friend, passed away in Ocala, Florida, his home in retirement for the past 28 years. He went to his rest in the early morning on August 20th, surrounded by love.

Peter was born in 1936, outside of Ponce in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico to Eladio and Isabelle Marquez (née Reyes). Orphaned as a preadolescent, he was eventually adopted by his aunt, Antonia Reyes Abad. He spent his teenage years becoming a New Yorker, living in downtown Brooklyn and reading every newspaper he could get his hands on.

At 22, he married the love of his life, Flora Veronica Cargill. They met and fell in love dancing to the music of Tito Rodriguez and Tito Puente, and on the beaches of Coney Island. Despite the early naysayers, they were happily and playfully married for 65 years.

After leaving his beloved Smith Street in Brooklyn and the grocery store he managed there, Peter moved to Bay Shore, Long Island to raise his children. A consistent participant in the PTA, Peter turned a friendship with another parent into a 30-year career with the Town of Islip Department of Public Works.

Peter was a regular at Gus’s Luncheonette in Brentwood, NY in the 60’s and 70’s, where he was known to read the Daily News, Newsday and the Post over a cup of coffee and then return them to the newsstand. A self-taught engineer, carpenter, plumber and mechanic, Peter often told his children, “If there is a book about it, you can figure it out.” He proved it again and again.

In retirement, Peter selected Ocala to enjoy horse country and gardening. Peter loved being outdoors, tending plants and getting his hands dirty. In Ocala he also became part of the community of fellowship in the Belleview Seventh-day Adventist church, earning a reputation as a reliable and tasty potluck cook.

Peter is survived by his beloved wife, Veronica, his devoted sister Jane, his brother-in-law Teddy, his children Peter, Tamara and Anthony, grandchildren Lillian and Cassandra, his stepsister, Maria Christina, caregivers Elvira and Pat, as well as his loving in-laws.

He will be missed by his nieces, nephews, and many grandnieces and nephews. Peter’s one regret was his losing track of and being separated from his younger brother, Tomas Ramos, at an early age. Peter was preceded in peace by his dear sister Louisa and brothers Louis and Manuel.