Obituary of Jose` Fernando Oquendo-Marin

José Fernando Oquendo Marin, 49, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at his home in Morgantown, WV. He was born in Medellin, Colombia on March 20, 1968. He is survived by his beloved husband, Corey Farris. He is also survived by his parents José de Jesus Oquendo and Maria Libia Marin de Oquendo; his brother Gustavo; his sisters Gloria and Lilliana, all in Colombia; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews both in Colombia and the United States.

 

He earned his bachelor's degree and a second certificate from the University of Antioquia in teaching English as a foreign language and two master's degrees (Foreign Languages and Public Administration) from West Virginia University. Over the years, he worked for West Virginia University, Glenville State University, West Virginia University at Parkersburg, Universidad de Antioquia Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Colegio Concejo de Sabaneta, and The Melvin Group.

 

He served six years on the board of the West Virginia Council of International Programs, volunteered for Empty Bowls Monongalia and recently the Rock Forge Presbyterian Church Food Pantry. He was a regular volunteer at his church, St. Thomas a Becket.

 

José had his own unique personality. His opinion on any given topic was never a secret. He was never shy about letting people know his thoughts. He was a child at heart and found joy in the simplest things in life including balloons, colored Christmas lights, and blowing bubbles. He never found a baby he couldn't make laugh, loved cooking great meals, enjoyed his flower gardens and couldn't wait to pick vegetables from the garden. He enjoyed sharing his love of music and cinema with family and friends. He was a tireless ambassador for WVU and the Morgantown community.

 

In addition to his family, he will be sorely missed by countless friends and the many other lives he touched every single day.

 

Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at St. Thomas a Becket, 75 Old Cheat Road. A mass presided by Rev. John Bethell will follow at 2:00PM at the church. In lieu of memorial flowers, donations may be made to Empty Bowls of Monongalia County, 7 Rousch Drive, Morgantown WV 26501.

 

Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.

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