Marco Albano was a one-of-a-kind of guy. He could talk to anyone about anything. He always had a story to tell. Marco was the real deal. Quick with a smile and a hug, he embraced all those around him.

Marco was a man of substance. His deep and abiding faith and love of the Lord made him who he was. Even with painful cancer overtaking his body, he remained grateful to God for sustaining him and giving him peace and a full life. His desire was that each life he touched would know the personal power and grace of his Lord Jesus.

When you think of Marco, you remember his long silver ponytail, his yellow Corvette, his love of saltwater fishing and the Hawaiian islands, and his love for his family. We will miss his humor and outrageous salsa and ribs.

The man had skills. Some fun facts about Marco’s life: Marco ran an ultra marathon, a more than 300-mile race from San Diego to Arizona; people he arrested and sent to jail sent him thank-you cards and flowers for inspiring them to turn their lives around; Meryl Streep approached Marco and asked to touch his beautiful ponytail; when he was a young black belt, he was matched against Chuck Norris while they were stationed in Korea – Chuck won; and Marco was assigned to OSI in the military, transporting heavy suitcases that were handcuffed to him, and always escorted by huge, Korean bodyguards.

Our hearts are overflowing. The outpouring of love, prayers, cards, meals, flowers, help and hugs has been overwhelming.

God bless,

Laura, Aaron, Maria, Peter and Christian