LATE Town Hall custodian Marien Guzman stands in front of a Christmas tree with his wife Tania. (Courtesy Photo)

 

 

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — The late Town Hall custodian Marien Guzman is being remembered for his big heart, caring nature and being a dedicated family man.

Essex County District Attorney Communications Director Carrie Kimball said Guzman, 50, was driving his 2019 Mazda CX-9 when he crashed into a tree and a pole on Pine Point Road near Flax Pond in Lynn around 2:01 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 15. He passed away at Salem Hospital.

School Resource Officer Alex Doto stated in a post on a GoFundMe Page that Guzman “suffered a heart attack while driving.”

Guzman’s wife Tania and daughters, Tharien and Tanairi, survive him. He also leaves behind his mother Iris Perdomo and his father Marien Guzman.

The Lynnfield Police Association has launched a launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the Guzman family. The fundraiser has raised $18,000 as of Tuesday morning.

“He left behind his wife and two daughters, who now face many unexpected expenses,” Doto stated on the GoFundMe page. “The town of Lynnfield and the departments where Marien worked are asking for donations to help the Guzman family during this challenging time.”

Guzman started working as a Lynnfield custodian in 2010. He worked at Huckleberry Hill School, Lynnfield Middle School, Lynnfield High School, Lynnfield Public Library, Town Hall and the Police Department.

“Not only was Marien a dedicated and excellent employee but, more importantly, he was genuinely a good and caring person,” said DPW Director John Tomasz.

Doto, Capt. Chris DeCarlo and Sgt. Jared Provost wrote in a joint statement posted on the Police Department’s Facebook page that, “Marien was one of the most genuine, caring, positive and hardworking people we have ever met.”

“His personality was contagious, and he always greeted you with a smile and friendly banter,” the three officers wrote. “He was a proud father and husband, with enough room in his heart for everyone around him. We are lucky to have had so many great memories with such an incredible person. We are proud to call Marien one of our own.”

Town Administrator Rob Dolan agreed.

“Lynnfield lost a great employee, our Town Hall family lost a dear friend and respected colleague and, most tragically, his family lost a father, husband, brother and son,” said Dolan. “We are all in shock, but we remember his smile and kindness, his unwavering work ethic and his great pride in the accomplishments of his children and family. On behalf of the Select Board and all at Town Hall, I offer our condolences and prayers to his family. We all thank them for sharing him with us.”

While Police Chief Nick Secatore said he was proud of the Lynnfield Police Association for launching the fundraiser, he and his fellow officers wish their friend and colleague was still here.

“We all feel terrible about what happened to Marien,” said Secatore. “He was a great guy.”

Dispatcher Maura O’Brien concurred with Secatore’s sentiment.

“Marien was a wonderful man,” said O’Brien. “He was always thinking about everybody. I feel terrible for his wife and daughters.”

Select Board Chairman Dick Dalton commended town employees and department heads for honoring their friend and colleague’s memory by raising money for the Guzman family.

“As word spread amongst town employees of Marien’s passing, their emotional reactions to the tragic news spoke volumes about the man and the love and respect that his colleagues have for him,” said Dalton. “I am so proud of the Lynnfield Police Association and its members for establishing the GoFundMe page, and I am so proud of all of Marien’s co-workers who gave so generously. Marien was a beloved and valuable member of our team, and we were truly blessed to have had the opportunity to know this very special person.”

School Committee Chairman Rich Sjoberg became friends with Guzman when he started working as Huckleberry Hill School’s custodian.

“The tragic news of Marien’s passing was a gut punch — something you did not want to believe,” said Sjoberg. “I feel blessed to have just spoken with him at Town Hall. Marien was his kind, gracious and positive self — asking about my children and sharing about his own family. I met Marien on his first day of work at Huckleberry Hill, and just as with everyone he met, we instantly formed a positive connection. Every single interaction over the past dozen years was a window into his incredible spirit and soul. Our family wishes Marien’s family the strength to face each day as they hold onto their warm memories forever.”

Recreation Director Julie Mallett said Guzman was “one of the nicest and kindest people you could ever meet.”

“He would welcome you in the morning by holding the door open for you to come in,” said Mallett. “He always had a smile on his face and enjoyed spirited back-and-forth banter to start the day. We ended up bonding over the Dominican Republic, his home country and my favorite place to vacation. We both love to keep a countdown on when the next person is going back. He will be missed terribly.”

If residents are interested in donating to the Guzman family, they should visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-marien-guzman.

“I know from first-hand experience the generosity of our community and how we all come together when a family is in need – whether it be emotional or financial support,” said Dalton. “I urge my fellow residents to help Marien’s family during this most difficult time. On behalf of the town of Lynnfield, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife and two daughters.”