Matthew L. Marcus

November 17, 1961 - January 19, 2022

Almighty God, in his infinite wisdom and love, touched the heart of his beloved son, MATTHEW LLOYD MARCUS, on January 19, 2022, at University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD where he transitioned into His presence after a lengthy illness. Matthew Lloyd Marcus, devoted husband, loving father, dedicated son & brother was born on November 17, 1961, in Baltimore City, Maryland to Matthew Marcus Jr. and the late Carrie Stokes Marcus. Matthew was educated in the public schools of Baltimore City, a graduate of Forest Park High School, studied Welding. Due to his maturity and strong work ethic, while as a student, he was entrusted to a position to work in his high school after school performing an array of different jobs. Some years later in furthering his education himself, he learned additional trades enrolling in night classes at Westside Skills Center studying Electrical Wiring. At an early age, Matthew along with his little sister Florence, following behind him, decided to officially join the church, and receive Christ by getting baptized on Mother’s Day, May 14, 1972, by his grandfather, Matthew Marcus Sr., founder of Little Ark Missionary Baptist Church, now Ark Church. Always referring to this as a monumental and honorable event in their lives, to be baptized by their grandfather, in what they referred to the baptism pool as “Chilly Jordan” being that it was in the deep wells of the floor of the old part of the church. A memory that would forever be theirs to share and reflect upon and laugh about together. He would often speak gratitude to his parents and grandparents for introducing him to Christ at an early age, for it was those teachings that kept him strong, kneeling, and depending on the Holy Father for strength to face the many battles that would come his way. He put his faith first, not fear. In January 1985, by chance he met the lady who would later become the love of his life, Dana Mack, as he lovingly called her his Snuggapuss, best friend, Ride or Die, through their mutual friend Tina Craig Richardson. Remaining good friends who eventually would begin to date about a year and a half later for several years. Oh, what a love they shared, you hardly saw one without the other. Speaking their own language and enjoying their kind of humor. They married in 1995 and from this union they were gifted with one son: Christopher Matthew Marcus. The joy of being a father washed over him. Matthew loved his family dearly and did everything within his power to provide, love, protect and ensure their well-being and safety to the end. The Hard Worker: Matthew held a few different positions from 1984-2001, he worked for the Edgewood Management Corporation in Baltimore City. He later became Property Landscaping Supervisor. He later secured a position in 2001-2006 with Stella Maris in Timonium working with the Landscape/Grounds Division. In 2006-2020 Matthew joined the Facilities Management Dept with First Transit Inc., as a Fueler at BWI Airport. During his tenure at First Transit Inc., Matthew was able to fulfill one of his longtime aspirations of acquiring his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). He studied very hard training to go on to be able to operate Transit Buses, Tractor Trailers, etc. He was so proud of this accomplishment. The Entrepreneur: While working in the Landscaping/Horticulture field garnering many skills and talents, Matthew in 1987 decided to form his own side business that spun into so much more. Hence, Marcus Landscaping Services was created. Providing landscape designs, planting, walkway layouts with lighting, etc. He even introduced his son to the various tasks in his business and would beam with pride whenever he had Chris with him. He was happiest when he was putting together a plan for a client, giving them a glimpse into what he could transform their properties into, albeit a small pond, solar lanterns that lit up their walkway, to adding small boulders to their lawn giving it a rustic look. Mackie firmly believed in having other skills as to a side hustle. He serviced clients as far as Harford County and throughout Baltimore City/County, with his three proteges/friends (Reginald Hayes, Mr. Butch, and Mr. Haywood). They would load up the truck and hit the road. Even after his health forced him to end his Landscaping career, clients often called him for advice, ideas and simply to share how very much they missed and appreciated his crafts and skills. His business led to him meeting and making some truly awesome friends/acquaintances to whom he was very close with until his departure. Matthew held many titles; son, brother, nephew, devoted and loving husband, father, and friend/confidant to many. One of his fondest titles was “Superman Marcus” given to him by one of his bonus sisters (Tina Richardson). He demonstrated superhuman strength to keep getting back up to fight the battles that seemed impossible to conquer. Little did he know that he would be a trailblazer in his own right, entering a clinical trial at the National Institutes of Health (NIH, Bethesda, MD), that would ultimately lead to a successful protocol of treatment that will help so many others afflicted with a Non-Hodgkin’s Blood Cancer. He and his wife along with their family, and friends promoted the involvement of people of color to be involved in this area, by fundraising for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Greenebaum Cancer Center. Mackie was also proud to be called “Uncle Bird”, which brought a smile to his face. He’s had the pleasure of seeing the babies born, now, grown into productive adults. His beautiful, bright, welcoming demeanor, along with his bold presence, was what they loved most. Matthew leaves to celebrate his life and memory: his loving wife and soul mate, Dana Mack-Marcus; son, Christopher Matthew Marcus; father, Matthew Marcus Jr.; sister, Dr. Florence Marcus, 2 aunts, Mrs. Phyllis Delaney, 1 uncle, Mr. James Delaney, Mrs. Earleen Cypress; 3 sisters-in-law, Mrs. Margaret Owens, Mrs. Gerleane Robinson, Ms. Veronica Barnwell; 2 brothers-in-laws, Mr. Richard Mack (Rachel Mack) and Mr. Kim Mack (Patricia Mack); special cousins, Zanes Cypress Jr., Zanile Cypress-Curtis, Dr. James Delaney Jr.; and a host of other cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition, two Sister Wives, Dr. Crystal Day Black and Ms. Anita Pinkney; two bonus sisters, Mrs. Tina Richardson and Mrs. Zina Carryall; as well as Mackie’s special angels, who would make one of his favorite meals (Chicken & Dumplings), or bring him cases of soup, or countless snack packs with nourishing goodies, surprise Rotisserie Chickens, and some uplifting spiritual reading material or gifts of encouragement with all things adorned with his infamous Superman Logo. In addition, dearly cherished childhood and work friends.