In Memory of Jose Israel Marin Molina

Seonghwa

May 31

Spouse: Elvia Marin
Children: Israel, Marilyn
DOB: August 2, 1950
Blessing Date: August 25, 1995
Ascension: May 28, 2025
Viewing: Thursday, June 5th, with arrival at 5:00 PM and testimonials at 7:00 PM at Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home, 64 Ashford Ave, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
Seonghwa Ceremony: Friday, June 6th at 8:30 AM at Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home, 64 Ashford Ave, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
Send Flowers and Condelences: Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home, 64 Ashford Ave, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/58a86ce4
Join Prayer Vigil for his Ascension: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1L6M8Ez4TzqdZNA70X2B94qEDHOLdtZhqXJqqyNyWcBc/edit?usp=sharing

Our beloved brother, Jose Israel Marin Molina, of White Plains, NY, ascended to the spiritual world at 7:05 PM on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

Jose Israel was born on August 2, 1950, in Pereira, Colombia, to Clementina Molina and Enrique Marin. He cherished his childhood en el campo (in the countryside), where he and his siblings would delight in picking seasonal fruits to enjoy together. From an early age, Jose Israel showed a strong work ethic and an adventurous spirit, which led him to leave his homeland as a teenager. With the help of his father, he made his way to Canada, where he began working as a groundskeeper at a country club — learning new languages, cultures, and ways of life. In his early 20s, Jose Israel moved to New York to reunite with his two older brothers. There, in 1972, he encountered the Unification Church, where he found a spiritual home and a deep sense of purpose. His newfound faith became a guiding force throughout his life. He committed himself to service — attending workshops, fundraising, and witnessing to others in New York, Massachusetts, Puerto Rico, and later, California.

Yearning to reconnect with his roots, Jose Israel returned to Colombia in the 1980s to spend time with his family. He continued his involvement in the church community in Bogotá, remaining steadfast in his spiritual path. In 1986, he returned once more to New York, driven by the dream of building a better life. Over the years, he explored various business ventures, working as a broker-dealer and, alongside his wife, as a housekeeper for nearly three decades. Earlier in life, he also held positions in the travel and jewelry industries. On August 25, 1995, Jose Israel and his beloved Elvia were blessed in marriage during the Unification Church’s mass wedding ceremony at Seoul Olympic Main Stadium in South Korea — a historic event with 360,000 couples. A year later, in December 1996, they welcomed their son, Israel Marin Benavides, followed by their daughter, Marilyn Marin Benavides, in January 2000. Together, they built a life in White Plains, NY, supported by family, friends, and their church community.

Jose Israel deeply loved his family and found immense joy in creating memories with them. He often said that nothing brought him greater purpose than spending time with his loved ones. He enjoyed watching movies on the weekends, attending family and church gatherings, and never missed a good BBQ. He also loved watching fútbol, playing billiards, and sharing laughter and stories with friends. Known for his humor and warm spirit, Jose brought joy to every room he entered. His smile will forever be remembered.

His wife Elvia; his two children, Israel and Marilyn; his two sisters Maria Nydia and Alba Lucia; his half siblings Guillermo, Rodrigo, Jorge Ivan, Amparo, Mary Luz, Liguia, Maria Isabel, and Maria Ines; his pet cat Ash, and his pet turtle Beemo; as well as a large extended family. Jose Israel is moving on to the third level of life and will continue to bring love and light to the earthly and heavenly worlds. Jose Israel now moves on to the third stage of life, continuing to shine his light in both the earthly and heavenly realms.