Marcel D. Dawson, Sr., devout Catholic, died after an extended illness on Thusday, April 6, 2023 at his home.

Marcel was born in Wilmington, the son of the late Pearl (Jezyk) and Elmer Dawson. He graduated in 1960 from Salesianum School and Wilmington University. He attended the West Chester University Master's program. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis on the USS Beale and remains active in the Tin Can Sailors. He retired from the New Castle County Police Department after 23 years. Marcel also worked at Chase Bank in the security and Fraud department for more than 10 years.

Marcel was a member of the VFW, McDaniel Post, the Delaware Association of Police, the Fraternal Order of Police and Holy Family Catholic Church. He was predeceased by his brother, Jerry Dawson and his sister, Delores Yarnall.

He lived his life with devotion to his faith, family, country and integrity. Never one to take the easy road, he was perpetually selfless. His principles were never compromised, even when he knew it would cost him greatly personally. He never had any reluctance saying what he thought would most benefit people, not what would most please them. The value of his word was unquestionable. A rare man of qualitative character. Eternal rest grant unto him, Oh Lord.

Marcel is survived by his life long love, Mary (Conlin) Dawson; his daughter, Catherine "Caite" Atallian and her husband, Anthony of Newark; his son, Rev. M. David Dawson of the Archdiocese of Hartford; his loving grandchildren, Elijah Taylor, Sophia, Gabby and Anthony Atallian, Jr.; his sisters, Patricia Schneider, Johanna Herlihy and Karen Thompson and her husband, William all of Newark; his brothers and their wives, Anthony and Janice Dawson of Wilmington and Stephen and Barbara Dawson of Yorklyn and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Holy Family Church, 15 Gender Rd, Newark, DE 19713 at 11:30 AM. Friends may call at the church after 10:30 AM. Burial will be in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the church at the above address, Wounded Warrior Project, woundedwarriorproject.org or a charity of your choice in memory of Marcel D. Dawson. Online condolences may be sent to Mealeyfuneralhomes.com