Jose Marquez was born on March 3, 1946 and on January 17, 2020 after retiring to slumber Jose awoke in the presence of the Lord. Son of the late Anna LaBlanche Schinnies and Ellison Rawlinson, Jose was born in New Haven, Connecticut but raised in Bridgeport where he matriculated through the Bridgeport public school system. As a youngster, some of the activities he enjoyed were hunting, fishing and football. Jose’s athletic build and ability enabled him to play football at Harding High School.These same traits assisted when he later went on to serve in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Germany.After his tour of duty Jose migrated from Connecticut to New Jersey with hopes for the simple life.

Affectionately known by many as “Cowboy” his love of animals, especially horses, led him to Swedesboro, NJ where he shed blood, sweat and tears building a family farmhouse and barn from the ground up. Jose was a man of many talents and his artistic/creative ability to build things was just one. Jose’s love of horses led him to begin training and racing horses which resulted in many winner’s circle photo opportunities.Jose also had a love of singing and a natural singing ability, which was a talent he enjoyed sharing and began to pursue more in his later years. Karaoke nights were always a preferred activity and this was the scene where Jose earned the nick name “Old School”. Additionally, a major aspect of Jose's character was his sense of humor and ability to make others laugh. He was a bit of a historian, however those that knew Joe were aware of his ability to embellish his stories, but, at the end of the day the only thing you could do was laugh with him. Ultimately, Jose was a straight shooter with no filter and made no apologies for who he was, but one thing for sure, he loved his family, was a hard worker and always provided for them.

Jose is survived by and celebrated by his wife of 22 years: Martha Gonzalez of Charlotte, NC; his four children: Taniel Daniel of Philadelphia, PA, Anthony Marquez and daughter-in-law Shelly of Charlotte, NC, Mario Marquez of Deptford, NJ, Desiree Marquez of Charlotte, NC; his four grandchildren: Gwendolyn Marquez, Jeremy Okoroafo, Isabelle Marquez, Lillian Marquez; siblings: Janice Rawlinson-Brooks of Pasadena, CA, Sandra Rawlinson-White of Las Vegas, NV, Sharon Hicks and Beverly Green of Charlotte, NC and Vincent Rawlinson of New Haven, CT and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom will forever love him. 

Viewing Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 9-11 am at Laurel Hill Bible Church, 1260 Blackwood-Clementon Rd., Blackwood, NJ 08021, with service to begin at 11 am. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, Swedesboro, NJ.