Obituary of John Marino

MARINO, John With heavy hearts we say goodbye to John who passed peacefully on June 27, 2015 just a few short weeks before his 94th birthday, with his loving family by his side. John immigrated to Canada from Cercemaggiore, Italy at the age of 5 with his parents, Catherine and Vincent Marino. He served with the Brockville Rifles during World War II and while stationed in Jamaica, met and married his beautiful Pauline, with whom he would spend the next 69 years. Ever the visionary, upon returning home to Canada, John operated several small businesses in the Niagara area to support his family. He was particularly proud of being a co-founder and original operator of both Merrittville Speedway in Thorold (1951), and Speedway Park in Stoney Creek (1961). He was also a part of a hard working group that established the St. Catharines Minor Baseball Association in the early '60's, was a member of the Optimist Club for many years and frequently did volunteer fundraising for the St. Catharines Rowing Club. John is survived by his wife Pauline, 3 grateful sons, Richard "Butch" (Rose), Len (Diane), Jim (Alison), one honorary son, Mike Quinn (Nancy), and his adoring grandchildren, Kevin, Jennifer (Yanick), Jay (Meredith), Jenna and Paris. Predeceased by his brother Angelo (Audrey). John will also be missed by his brother, Sam Marino and sister, Mary Campbell (the late Neil), the coffee shop boys, his two aunts, uncle, many cousins, nieces and nephews and the first great grandchild he was looking forward to meeting, but unfortunately missed by a matter of hours. Your boy is here John. Our iconic family hero is gone but could not possibly be forgotten. Nice job dad! Your work is done. Have a good rest and don't worry, the kid will know all about his special great grandpa and your good friend, Gino will make sure the Scotch Bonnets get harvested and distributed on time. The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff at the St. Catharines and Hotel Dieu Shaver hospitals. Special thanks to Doctors Rabin and Henry for their on-going care and concern. John's family will receive friends and family at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines, on Tuesday, June 30, 2015, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A funeral liturgy will take place on Thursday, July 2, 2015, at St. John's Anglican Church, 80 Main St., Port Dalhousie, at 10 a.m. Memorial donations can be made to St. John's Anglican Church.