Marcello Francis

Marcello Tarik Francis was born on December 16, 1966, to Debra Francis and James Bowie in Asheville, NC. He was raised in the Bronx, NY, by his mother and step-father, Ronald Francis.

As a child, his parents instilled in him a deep love and respect for Black culture. He attended the Uhuru Sasa Shule (Freedom Now School) in Brooklyn, NY, where he was educated in an environment that was not only academically rigorous but also centered Black identity, and excellence. It was no surprise that Marcello loved music and fashion, especially the sounds and styles of the hip hop era he grew up with. This passion was reflected in a closet full of NY Yankee fitteds, drawers filled with cassette tapes, and other cultural memorabilia such as newspapers, magazines, and photos he took of himself and others during the ‘80s, ‘90s, and early 2000s. 

As a teen, Marcello moved to Troy, NY, and later became a highly skilled mechanic, spending over three decades working on a variety of machines, building deep technical expertise along the way. He eventually specialized in assembling and maintaining some of the most complex and sophisticated MRI systems in modern medicine.

In 1996, he married D. Rebekah Francis, and soon took on the best role of his life when he became a father to his two beautiful daughters, Xiomara and Xavia Francis. His greatest joy and pride were his daughters, both college graduates, whom he considered his most treasured legacy.

On February 1, 2026, Marcello entered eternal rest. He is survived by his cherished mother, Debra; his loving younger sister, Fatimah; his deeply adored daughters, Xiomara and Xavia; his dear uncles, Thomas and David; a host of cousins, other family members, and close friends.

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