Biographies
The founders of
The Efrain Anthony Marrero Foundation

Frank Marrero
Frank lost his oldest son to steroid abuse on September 26, 2004. At age 19, Efrain Anthony Marrero was like so many teenagers in our community. He was active in sports, popular with classmates and was adored by his parents, Frank and Brenda Marrero of Vacaville, CA. Often called the “gentle giant” by those that loved him, Efrain was known for his kindness and commitment to being a successful adult.

That tragic event has forever changed their family in ways they are still struggling to understand. But one thing is certain; they have dedicated the rest of their lives to preventing this devastating loss from happening to other families. To that end they have established The Efrain Anthony Marrero Foundation, Fighting Against Steroids Together.

Today the Marrero’s honor Efrain’s memory by educating teens, parents, coaches and the medical community about the dangers of steroid abuse. Frank Marrero, Efrain’s father, has spoken throughout the United States to high schools, Air Force units, congress, and athletic organizations about Efrain’s story, suicide prevention and steroid awareness. Together they know we can realize our shared dream of saving our children from substance abuse.

Frank Marrero is a Colonel in the Air Force Reserve and a pilot with United Airlines for 15 years. He is a graduate of the Air Force Academy and a 25-year, decorated veteran most recently serving his nation in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Felix Marrero
Felix serves as the Vice President for the Foundation. His duties include fundraising, marketing and creating steroid awareness within the corporate community and general public on the East Coast. Along with State Legislators, he is instrumental in trying to pass legislation on illegal use of performance enhancing drugs in high schools. He also makes presentations to local organizations like Rotary and Lions Clubs.

Felix retired in 2004 as a Lt. Colonel from The United States Army Reserves. He currently resides in Pennsylvania with his son Joshua and owns and operates Take Out Incorporated, and Organic Soils; both in the agriculture industry.

He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from York College of Pennsylvania, and a graduate of The United States Army Command and General Staff College. Efrain was Felix’s Nephew and Godson.

Steve Vancil
Steve serves as Treasurer for the Foundation. He has known the Marrero family since 1995 and served many years with Efrain’s father in the Air Force Reserve. He remembers Efrain as a wonderful young man with so much potential who was suddenly and tragically lost. In 1978, Steve’s family suffered a similar tragedy with the loss of his two younger brothers due to suicide following illicit drug abuse.

In 2005 Steve concluded a 30 year Air Force career and retired as Colonel in the Air Force Reserve. His last assignment was as Vice Commander of the 927th Air Refueling Wing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in suburban Detroit, Michigan. He is a veteran of Operations Eagle Claw, Desert Storm, Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom.

He previously flew as an international pilot for Pan American Airways at JFK Airport in New York. Steve has been a United Airlines pilot for the past 15 years, and is presently based in San Francisco.

His education includes master’s degrees from the University of Missouri – Rolla and the University of Southern California, along with numerous military schools.

Steve and his wife also serve on the Sister City committee for the City of Fairfield, California.

Bill Umberger
Bill was Efrain’s uncle, and learned only after the Marrero family’s tragedy that one of his own sons had been involved in steroid abuse during high school. He serves in Efrain’s memory as the Foundation’s parliamentarian, and is responsible for preparing and maintaining the Foundation’s business plan and other significant correspondence.

Bill owns Phoenix-based “Sun Devil Pool Supply,” as well as “Perfect Swim.com,” an internet-based swimming pool supply company. He also serves on the board of directors of two community associations in the Phoenix metroplex.

Bill graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1978, and earned his Masters Degree in Public Administration from Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas in 1985. He was also a Distinguished Graduate of the Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College.

Bill left the Air Force in 1992, and currently flies for American Airlines. He and his wife, Marcia, reside in Queen Creek, Arizona.

The Efrain Anthony Marrero Foundation:
Is a non-profit corporation that was formed in 2005 in memory of Efrain Anthony Marrero. Efrain took his own life on September 26, 2004, three weeks after he stopped using steroids.