The family of Marco Picanza has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Marco was a proud Army veteran, serving in Vietnam with the 187th Assault Helicopter Unit from 1969-1971 and worked as an electronic engineer for 45 years with Vernitron Electronics and Axsys Technologies.
Born in San Giuliamo di Puglia, Italy, Marco emigrated to America in 1961 with his parents Girolamo and Tindara, and after living in Brockton, Massachusetts for a year, they moved to Island Park, NY where he would live until 1994 before moving to San Diego, CA.
Marco Married Marie G. Avitabile of West Babylon, NY on November 4, 1973 and had two children, Adriana and Steven. As a family man it was little moments for Marco that he loved to share such as telling stories of Italy, his time in Vietnam and his overall gusto for life.
Marco was an avid soccer player and fan (Forza Azzurri), loved music and played guitar and enjoyed traveling, hiking and exploring near and far. His love for Italian opera, food and wine was always a conversation focus and he was fortunate enough to travel back to Italy on multiple occasions with his family.
Marco is survived by his wife Marie of 49 years his daughter Adriana and husband Anthony, son Steven and wife Melissa, 3 grandchildren Joseph, Matthew, Leonardo and 2 grand-pups, rocky and Paddy.
Note: The family is requesting a
Flag Line Only at the cemetery.NOTE: This mission posting facilitates your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will stand a flag line for our hero at the cemetery. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. We encourage those who do not ride to participate in your car. If this is your first mission, go to the initial staging area, where you will be briefed by the R/C (Ride Captain).
NOTE: PLEASE OBSERVE ALL COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS, HAVE MASK/FACE COVERING AVAILABLE IF NEEDED.
Time Table for Wednesday 18 January 20231045 – Stage at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr. San Diego, CA 92122 (
https://goo.gl/maps/uqTUcf2hWCfqsqcf6)
1115 – Mission Briefing
1130 – Flag Line for arrival of our hero and family
1200 – Flag Line for Military Honors and Funeral Service
R/C Lorenzo Lizarraga
SoCal PGR Regional Captain
619-971-2236
llizarraga@yahoo.com
Remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent with honor and respect for our Heroes—no talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we honor.
