Pfc. Joseph A. Marquez of Delaware is remembered as “a wonderful son, a loving brother, a great soldier and a light to everyone,” his mother said.
Marquez died April 25 in a vehicle accident during Army training in Washington state. Two other soldiers were injured.
MORE:Delaware soldier killed, 2 hurt at Washington state training center
His mother, Kristen Giordano, said Joey was known for his beautiful smile.
“His nickname was ‘Dimples.’ He was always laughing, always smiling,” Giordano said. “He was very loving. He was proud to be considered a ‘momma’s boy.’”
His family recently moved to Dover after living in Millsboro since about 2007.
Marquez, 19, was a 2020 graduate of Sussex Tech where he majored in carpentry, was a member of the Army Junior ROTC, and played football, winter track and baseball. He played travel baseball for the Bombers and the Aces.
“He was a lifelong athlete, very athletic,” said Giordano. “He loved music. He loved the beach – that was his favorite place. He liked to hunt and fish.”
Marquez worked at the Ocean View Diner for a few months and also worked on carpentry and masonry projects and mowed grass.
In his decision to enlist in the Army, he followed in his grandfather’s footsteps.
“Ever since he was little, he always wanted to be a soldier. That was his dream,” said Giordano, whose father served in the Army for 20 years, retiring as a master sergeant, stationed at West Point, New York.
That association with New York led to Joey rooting for the Yankees and the Giants.
He entered the Army in January 2021 and graduated from basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. With the rank of private first class, he was a member of the 2-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 7th Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. His duties included working as a combat motor operator.
“He did a lot of driving, and he had earned multiple certifications with that, and fueling and ammo,” said Giordano.
On the Facebook page of the 8th Squadron, 1st U.S. Cavalry, this tribute was posted:
“It is with a very heavy heart and incredible sadness that the Blackhawk Squadron announces the passing of one of our own PFC Joseph Alejandro Marquez….PFC Marquez was known for his laughter and the light he spread everywhere he went. We knew him as a loving son and brother to his family, a faithful friend to his comrades, and a loyal Soldier to his nation. He was and is so loved, and already so missed.”
Lt. Col. Michael Filanowski, commander of the 8th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, said, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Pfc. Marquez. Blackhawk Squadron sends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Our prayers and thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”
Giordano said she and her daughter, Alexis Marquez, have received an outpouring of condolences.
“His sister and I been getting so much support and love,” she said. “The stories everyone is sharing have been wonderful.”
When their soldier is brought home, his family is planning a viewing in Millsboro and a celebration of life service in the Georgetown area, but no dates have been set.
Reach reporter Ben Mace at rmace@gannett.com.
