Life Celebration Gerald Bruce Marable

Gerald  Bruce Marable Obituary


Gerald Bruce Marable, affectionately known as “Bruce” to family and friends, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025, at the age of 75, after a courageous battle with ALS. He was born on September 5, 1949, in Roanoke, Alabama, later moving to Tuskegee where the Marable family established their home. Since 1989, Bruce had resided in Moreno Valley, California.


The beloved son of Vester and Bernice Marable, Bruce dedicated his life to service. At just 18, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served as a jet engine mechanic for more than two decades, earning an honorable discharge in 1989. He went on to build a second career at Riverside National Cemetery as a Heavy Equipment Engineer, serving with dedication until his retirement in 2015.


Bruce will be remembered as a man of warmth, humor, and generosity. He found joy in basketball, baseball, and bowling, and held a special passion for baking—a gift he inherited from his mother and shared generously with others. His presence filled every room, and the love and joy he brought to those around him will remain his lasting legacy.


He is survived by his devoted wife, Maria Lourdes Marable; two sons, Jerome Crawford (wife, Natasha) and Andre Marable (wife, Lori); ten grandchildren—Shaniya, Diamond, Deja, Zion, Angel, Gabriel, London, Brianna, Brooke, and Elijah; and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Tony Marable, and sisters, Linda, Gail, and Alfreda. Bruce’s proudest role was that of husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, always devoted to his family.


A viewing will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 2:00–3:30 p.m. at Tillman Riverside Mortuary. Funeral services will follow on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Tillman Riverside Mortuary Chapel, with a viewing at 10:00 a.m. and service at 11:00 a.m. Bruce will be laid to rest with full Military Honors at Riverside National Cemetery at 1:45 p.m.


In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bruce’s memory to the ALS Foundation, in hopes of sparing others the hardship of this disease.


Bruce will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his strength, kindness, and the love he so generously gave to all who had the privilege of knowing him.