DOVER — U.S. Army Pfc. Joseph Marquez, who graduated from Sussex Tech High School in 2020, died in a single-vehicle crash during a training exercise in Washington on Monday, officials said.
Pfc. Marquez, 20, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a news release issued by the 7th Infantry Division, and two other soldiers suffered minor injuries. The incident occurred at the Yakima Training Center.
The Army reported that Pfc. Marquez was a member of the 2-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team. Lt. Col. Travis Dettmer said he had been in the Army for about a year and was a motor transport officer.
A Facebook post on the 8th Squadron, 1st U.S. Cavalry page read:
“It is with a very heavy heart and incredible sadness that the Blackhawk Squadron announces the passing of one of our own Pfc. Joseph Alejandro Marquez. Pfc. Marquez joined the Army in 2021 from his hometown of Dover, Delaware.
“He was pronounced dead on scene after a vehicle accident during a unit exercise at the Yakima Training Center on (Monday). Pfc. Marquez was known for his laughter and the light he spread everywhere he went. We knew him as a loving son and brother to his family, a faithful friend to his comrades, and a loyal Soldier to his nation. He was and is so loved, and already so missed.”
The post continued, “Please respect the unit and the family as we grieve our loss.”
Pfc. Marquez’s mother, Kristen Giordano, said Thursday that she could have had no finer a son.
“Joey was just the light of my life and everybody’s life that he touched,” she said. “He was a loving son, a loving brother, ... an athlete. He was a soldier. He was very faithful, very spiritual. I was just very, very, very fortunate to have him as a son.
“He was just a wonderful person, a hard worker. And always laughing, always smiling. He had a beautiful smile that would just light up the room. You just had to smile back at him.”
She also recalled his love of hunting, fishing and music.
“He just loved life. He loved everything he did. He was a very positive, very happy ... man who was very loved, and he gave back all the love.”
Pfc. Marquez, who is also survived by a sister, began playing baseball at age 4 and became a proud New York Yankees fan.
As word spread of the tragic loss this week, Ms. Giordano said she was flooded with messages and calls of condolence.
“All the support has been wonderful,” she said. “Everybody has come to me with at (least) one Joe story. Everybody has said he just really stood out. He just really did. He was a very respectful young man, who also had an impact on adults.”
Service to country has been a pattern in the family, Ms. Giordano said, noting that she lived at West Point about 14 years during her father’s military career. Her dad retired as a master sergeant after 30 years, and Ms. Giordano’s older brother also served in the Army. Her younger brother is a Baltimore police officer.
No dates for services have been set, she added.
Lt. Col. Michael Filanowski, commander of the 7th Infantry Division, said, ”We are deeply saddened by the loss of Pfc. Marquez. Blackhawk Squadron sends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Our prayers and thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”
The crash is under investigation, and Lt. Col. Dettmer said more information would be released when available.
Pfc. Marquez was a four-year member of the Sussex Tech football program, playing wide receiver and defensive back in his senior season, said his former head coach, Mark Quillin. He participated in the baseball program, as well.
On Thursday, Mr. Quillin said he was still reeling from the loss, calling the former Raven a “fantastic young man from a great family. His mom was supportive of everything we did as the Sussex Tech football program.”
The future soldier and Junior ROTC member was “the kind of kid that was good at everything,” he said.
Mr. Quillin said that, while Pfc. Marquez worked out with assistant football coach G.L. Jefferson on winter mornings, he stayed committed to the baseball program and its activities at the same time.
Then, “He was with me during all our workouts through the summer. He misses nothing,” he added. “He’s that kid that’s dedicated to being ... not only a better football player but a better young man.
“And that’s what kind of separated him from a lot of the other kids that you have as a coach.”
And as far as Pfc. Marquez opting for the military, Mr. Quillin said, “Some kids go in the military to kind of get themselves together. He was already together.
“And he went to the military, I think, to serve our country, and it was perfect for him. That was just the type he was. He’s just a wonderful young man. I can’t say enough good things about him.”
He continued, “We need more good men like him serving our country. With him protecting us, defending our country, you know we’re safe.”
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