Marcos Valencia

Marcos Valencia Rojas, age 78, of Gainesville, Virginia, passed away in Manassas, Virginia on January 8, 2022. Marcos was born on April 25, 1943 in Puente Piedra, Lima, Peru. Friends, nieces, nephews, and anyone close to Marcos or that knew him in passing will most likely recognize him by his nickname, Americo. He is survived by his beautiful bride, Clotilde Ortiz de Valencia, his 3 children; Marco Valencia, Jaqueline Valencia Maldonado, and Noelia Valencia; his 7 grandchildren; Edson Valencia, Marco Eder Valencia, Lady Vasquez, Bruno Vasquez, Alejandro Molina, Adrian Maldonado, and Anthony Valencia; and his 3 great-grandchildren; Eder Sebastian Valencia, Mariana Valencia, and Leonella Perez. His wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all affectionately referred to Marcos as their Meco. At around the age of 10, because his other siblings were either too young or off building their lives, Americo was called upon by his father to help out with the family butcher shop so that he would soon learn to lead it and make a living of his own. At first, Americo was reluctant to the idea of even having to learn the business and never in his life thought he would have to become a butcher. His mother, Laura, was the only person who could convince him to help out with the business and to do it for her. Americo continued the family butcher business, and did so for good reason, as it led to becoming the top butcher and salesman in El Cono Norte, a sector of the Lima Metropolitan Area. Americo met the love of his life, Clotilde, in his teenage years and later tied the knot with their marriage in May of 1965. Americo and Clotilde built and lived a full life in the small town of Puente Piedra and were known for being the most inviting neighbors in town with countless get togethers being held on the 3rd story of their home. In the 1990’s, Americo was willing and able to give his 3 children the opportunity to come to the United States and live out the American Dream. After sending his kids to America, him and Clotilde helped raise their 4 grandchildren at the time until they finally moved to the States. In May of 2011, Americo and Clotilde were the last ones to join the rest of their big family and finally made their transition to a nation he had the utmost respect for and considered to be the greatest country on the face of the earth. At last, the patriarch of the family could reap the love of his children and grandchildren and, during his time living in the Gainesville area, was able to live out family milestones firsthand rather than listening to crackling voices on the telephone. Marcos was a gentleman, an exceptional husband, a loving father and grandfather, and an exemplary human being. Many would dare say that he was more widely known and recognized than the dollar itself. Those who knew Marcos will remember him for the kindness and grace that he extended to just about anyone. Whether it was one of his grandchildren who forgot to pack their lunch for school and gave them a couple dollars for lunch money during the morning rush or if it was a woman and her young children who knew not what they would have for dinner that evening and would offer up his best pieces of meat at no cost. His Catholic values, love for exquisite Peruvian food, and passion for romantic love ballads live on in the family he leaves behind and those that are to come. To be put simply, Meco was a good man. It is the request of the family that all attending wear masks and that no photos or videos be taken.

Marcos Valencia

April 25, 1943 - January 8, 2022