Obituary of Marcus G. Pochettino

Our hearts ache to share that Marcus Gordon Pochettino (38) passed away on February 27, 2024. He was our heart, our stars, and is now our angel. He was such a clever writer, so we will try to do him justice here. He was a man of never-ending fun and tremendous joy. He was kind, compassionate, and gentle. He was up for any dare or challenge, and could always be goaded into having a good time. He had a quick, sarcastic wit that could diffuse any situation and a dry sense of humor. And he always had time, love, and attention for his children (and all the children in the neighborhood). He loved music and had a wide range of tastes. He could play Chopin on the piano beautifully and enjoyed every State of Trance year end mix, classic rock, or the latest pop songs. He filled our hearts until they were bursting, leaving us with such a tremendous void. 

Marcus was born in Montevideo, Minnesota, lived for a brief stint in Brooklyn, and then his family settled in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia. He attended Norwood-Fontbonne Academy and St. Joseph’s Preparatory School. There he found the first love of his life: rowing. He continued his rowing career during the summers at Fairmount Rowing Association, at the University of Pennsylvania (where he quipped that he majored in Rowing), and more recently at Whitemarsh Boat Club. He loved remaining active. 

Marcus had a great job and career. He was a diligent, detailed worker. But he worked to live, and he did live. He married the love of his life Kathleen (nee: Emberger) aka Casey, aka KC, in 2012. They bought the ultimate fixer upper in Lafayette Hill and started to build their life brick by literal brick. His love for his family is felt in every inch of his home, which he worked on with obsessive detail to make the house a home for his family to live and thrive. It was truly a labor of love.

He lived every day for his children, Charles and Sebastian. He was so proud of their every accomplishment. Rather than hanging his academic diplomas or awards on the walls of his office, they were cluttered with his most treasured items: homemade gifts from his besties, grilling gloves from his grilling buddy, and every card and note that his boys made for him. His joy and love for his family radiated from every fiber of his being. He was up for the PTO, ready to join every single field trip, and even showed up to volunteer at Whitemarsh Elementary decked out in his PJs (it was a PJ-themed day) for a food drive. He loved his community and his neighborhood. He loved coaching soccer and the fulfillment it brought him. He was proud of every single player on his team. 

In addition to Casey, Charles, and Sebastian, Marcus is survived by his parents, Alberto and Rebecca, and his brothers, Michael, Andrew, Joseph, and Matthew. 

Marcus’ funeral will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at Our Mother of Consolation Catholic Church, 9 E Chestnut Hill Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118. Visitation will begin at 12:00 followed by a mass at 1:00 p.m. 

Please dress in memory of Marcus by wearing your brightest pastels, quirkiest plaids, and maybe even be slightly mismatched in his honor.

Thank you to those who loved him. He loved you too. And that love for all those he touched will be his legacy.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family is requesting donations in Marcus’ memory to be made to Charles’ and Sebastian’s 529 College Fund. Donations can be made at: Ugift529.com. Charles’ code is: 43E-688 and Sebastian’s is: K4W-E9P.