Obituary of Joseph Anthony Marino

Joseph Anthony Marino passed away peacefully in Saint John on September 19, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born January 2nd, 1953 to the late Constance Theresa (nee Gabriel) and Joseph Anthony Marino. Joe is survived by his loving wife and best friend Bonnie (Flowers) Marino, his beloved daughter Kelly, and his feline companion Elvis. He is also survived by his brother Robert (Jan) Marino and his daughters Christie, Lori, and Jennifer; brothers in law Harry (Barb), Roy (Lucy), Warren, Reginald (Janice), and Bill Flowers (Sharon); sisters in law Marie Wright (Nick), Betty Addison, Mary-Lou Splude, Nancy Golding (Timmy), Kim Bosfet (Dean); many nieces and nephews; several uncles and aunts; life-long friends John Lewis and Eric Ritchie, and a large extended family which included many in the local music scene. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his dear friend Dan Robertson, sisters in law Cynthia (Black) Marino and Phyllis Flowers, brothers in law Cecil Flowers, Douglas Deville, and Douglas Addison. Joe grew up on Grandview Avenue and had the pleasure of living on Loch Lomond Road for 42 years. Joe enjoyed a successful career with the City of Saint John in the Water Department for 30 years. Post-retirement, he taught at NBCC and assisted in the development of the Water/Wastewater Operator program. Joe was a talented musician, skilled in numerous instruments such as bass/double bass, guitar, banjo, mandolin, and keyboards, among others. Since his teenaged years, Joe played in numerous bands around the city, often with his brother Bob. Joe was a highly analytical, hard-working individual who took great care in all he did. He was incredibly technically inclined, with the ability to repair almost anything. Joe will be most missed for his sense of humour and his ability to tell stories with such increasing embellishment that repetition was never boring. He loved to travel with his wife, and was a regular visitor to Cuba - often accompanied by the entire immediate family. Joe was a kind, generous individual who gave endless time and care to his loved ones. He was an exemplary father who instilled in his daughter Kelly a strong work ethic and a passion for global affairs as well as the arts. His dedication to his wife Bonnie was shown through their happy 45 years of marriage and appreciation for the care she gave him until the end. Joe’s family wishes to thank the staff at the Saint John Regional Hospital; the entire oncology team including Dr. Reiman, Dr. Groom, Dr. Caissie, and Dr. Dolan; palliative care; paramedics; nurse Leeana and the extra-mural team; and family physician Dr. Alexandria Ross. We also wish to thank the special friends and family that assisted in Joe’s care. The efforts shown in our time of need will not be forgotten. Castle Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements, 309 Lancaster Avenue, Saint John N.B, E2M 2L3. 506-634-1701. Friends and family are welcome to join us from 6 PM to 8:15 PM on Friday, September 28th at Simonds Lions Auditorium (185 Loch Lomond Road). At 8:15, a few words will be shared in Joe’s honour followed by an hour of musical tribute. Donations in Joe’s memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Saint John SPCA.