‘Beautiful’: Funeral ceremony held for fallen Fresno Marine

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – On April 15, Marine Lance Cpl. Marcelino Gamino lost his life when the jeep he rode in, part of a convoy on its way to the Southern Border, crashed as its driver attempted to avoid a head-on collision.

On Wednesday, the hometown hero was laid to rest, just eight days after his body was brought home.

It was a sight that gave chills, as hundreds of people flooded Belmont Memorial Park, whether family, close friends, members of his Marine platoon, war veterans, or even just members of the general public came out to say goodbye to the fallen Marine, taken too soon at only 28-years-old.

The ceremony was a spectacle. American Legion Riders guided his hearse from the funeral chapel to his gravesite, as fellow Marines were the pallbearers who carried him to his final resting place.

In the crowd, it was tough to see a tough eye in attendance, as the 3-gun salute rang out, followed by the ceremonial playing of Taps.

“Being in their family for as long as I have, and also being a military, former military member, that was phenomenal. That was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” said Sara Felix, a close family friend who says she’s known “Markie” since he was born.

She says she’s been good friends with his aunt and mother for decades. She says she watched Gamino as a boy grow alongside her son, before he eventually sprouted into a Marine.

“One of the last times I spoke with him, he was so proud to tell me that he had just finished Fresno State, graduating, and I was so proud of him. And then, telling me that he was going into the Marines, knowing that I was an Army veteran,” she said. “That was an extremely proud moment that I got to share with him.”

However, now that he’s gone, she and others close to him just continue to hold on to the bright memories of him, including his ability to persevere and accomplish whatever he put his mind to. All as Wednesday, they took a last chance to say goodbye and show appreciation for his sacrifice.

“Markie, we’re going to miss you and we love you very much,” said Felix.