Gerry Cristobal Mariquit

I have been talking about the presence of 8 Filipino American generations in the United States. Recently 1.5 generation to describe the Filipinos who were born in the Philippines but immigrated to this country before the age of 13. The Mariquit brothers are the typical of the 1.5 generation having experienced the two separate worlds of cultures. Grappling with two competing world highlight these kids took it to their vantage view thus they became very successful. Early challenges were easily overcome as they were mentally and physically gifted. One thing can be added that they never forget the Filipino culture and being artistic the Filipino community saw the creation of the Bayanihan spirit.

The role in the Filipino American family tradition of the First Born known as the "Panganay " goes beyond the tile and tragedy forces greater responsibility. It is better known as “Kuya” -Geraldo Mariquit was the first born . A position that in the Filipino family held more than esteemed. Reynaldo Mariquit in his moving tribute to his departed older brother had all the right words. As good speaker as Ray is he would fall short articulating the meaning of “Kuya”. During the early Filipino history the tribal king was succeeded by the first male son. The wisdom of the king could be attributed to his willingness to listen. Magical earring hung to enhanced sound bytes not audible to common “Tao” Gerry understood these low decibels.

Mariquit was born in the Philippines. He lived in Jersey City since 1970.

He was operations manager at Commerce Bank, New York City, for the past three years. Previously, he was a vice president at Merrill Lynch, New York City, for 27 years.

He was a founding member of UFAA (United Filipino American Association) Youth Club, Jersey City, and was a scout master for the Boy Scouts of America.

Mariquit was a longtime communicant of St. Aloysius Church, where he served as a Eucharistic minister.

Surviving wife: Susan Arceo Mariquit

Surviving sons: Nolan and Brandon Mariquit

Mother - Maura Mariquit

Father – the late Manuel Mariquit, the famous pitcher from the Philippines in the 50s.

Brothers - Manolito, Reynaldo, Manuel, Alex and Anthony

Gerardo Mariquit, 48 years old, passed away Saturday night while attending his niece, sixteen birthday celebration. He was in a great spirit talking to everyone and enjoying the party. He went to get a drink of water, suddenly he fell his wife said. The EMS crew brought him to the Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death might be attributed to heart failure as he had angioplasty operation just few weeks ago. He worked for various prestigious Wall Street investment organizations since graduating from St Peters Prep and College.

The family immigrated to Jersey City over 30 years ago. They are very active in the Queen Mary Catholic Organization.

On this 2005 Thanksgiving week we say good bye to a great Pilgrim.

My Living tribute to the family is at 1x. Mariquit Family Series 1/02

http://manilajc.tripod.com/Mariquit.htm