Anthony "Tony" J. Marino

Anthony Joseph Marino, formerly of Raynham, MA passed away peacefully on September 6, 2021 at Tremont Nursing Facility after a valiant fight with Dementia related illness.  He was born and raised In Portland, ME January 14, 1929, the 11th of 13 children of the late Luciano and Margherita (Chimirri) Marino.

Anthony, who everyone called “Tony”, reveled in all things education.  He graduated from Chevrus High School in Portland, ME and went on to receive his Bachelors of Science from St. Frances Xavier University, proudly wearing his college ring his entire life.  He then went on to obtain his Masters in Education from Bridgewater State College.

Although Tony had planned on attending Seminary School to become a Priest, God had other plans.  He met and married Annemarie Keefe with whom they shared 9 children.  Later, Tony married and was pre-deceased by Paula Chase Martyniak with whom he adopted and raised his grandson, Robert (Christopher) Marino.

Tony is pre-deceased by both his parents; 5 of his children; Susan Ricketson, Tony Marino Jr., Kathleen Marino, Michael Marino and Anne Marie Marino.  He is also pre-deceased by 4 brothers; Augustino, Ernest, Rocco, and Armando and 7 sisters; Mary DeBartolomao, Annie Radcliff, Lucy Goguen, Eleanor Carpenter, Jennie and Susan Marino, and Adelle Minervino.  Tony is survived by his younger brother, Adolfo Marino and his wife Jean who live in Ft. Myers, Fl.; his remaining 4 children; John Marino and his wife Paige, Catherine Marino and her longtime partner Randy St. Germaine; Martha Fernandes and her husband Tim and Lisa Marino, his goddaughter, Kathleen Creighton of Falmouth, ME, and many cousins, nephews, nieces and great nephews and nieces. Tony was known as “Papa Tony” to his 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter.

Tony’s career spanned many fields over the years.  His early days, he worked for Schlitz Beer, multiple insurance companies, and HFC Financial Services as a salesman.  Tony became a schoolteacher at St. Mary’s in Taunton, a Probation Officer in Wareham; he was an advocate and counselor for MA Rehab Services helping those with disabilities; he worked as a House Manager for the Department of Mental Health from where he retired.  Even after retirement Tony preferred to be busy and took on roles delivering for Meals on Wheels, and as a currier, for multiple laboratories and banks; then at the age of 82 continued to volunteer, driving cancer patients to appointments for American Cancer Society.  Tony also was a longtime volunteer with the Civil Defense, caring for wounded war veterans including his own brother Ernest.  He also had a profound love for God and Church and would often end conversations with “don’t forget to go to church.”

Tony’s primary passions were music and tennis.  He possess a beautiful Tenor voice that he shared at many a wedding, Messiah or other event.  He sang Solo at the First Parish Church in Taunton, MA for over 30 years and was a Choir member of multiple churches, including the former St. Joseph’s and St. Jude’s both in Taunton and St. Patrick’s in Wareham, MA, as well as a member of the Taunton Civic Chorus putting on many shows and concerts over the years.

Tony played tennis well into his 80’s, as a member of multiple tennis associations and participating in many tournaments throughout the years.  He was a member of the Recreation Department of Middleboro teaching both tennis and archery for summer youth programs.  Tony taught tennis, over the years at multiple Tennis Clubs, and as a member, would do odd jobs just for “playing time.”  His only wish was to play tennis one more time.  Tony was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Lion’s and Mitchell Clubs.  Later dad attended the Gateway Adult Senior Center where he enjoyed helping with morning coffee.  He loved to play games, socialize and win candy treats.  He especially loved all the wonderful staff; Allison, Jeanie, Lori, Chrystal and all the drivers and staff. 

Tony loved all his children and as a single father, always wanted the best for them working multiple jobs to raise them the best he could.  He was always driven to helping people, whether a teen in distress, a neighbor, friend or even a stranger.   Whether you were his tennis partner, coworker, student, client, or even an opponent; Anthony Joseph Marino will always be remembered best for his smile, bright blue eyes; his love for music, tennis, and his family. He will be very much missed.  RIP Tony and Sing with the Angels.

A wake for Tony will be held on Friday, September 17th from 4-7PM in the Riendeau-Mulvey Funeral Home, 467 Bay St., Taunton Ma. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Jude the Apostle Parish, 249 Whittenton St. Taunton on Saturday, September 18th at 10:00am. Funeral Services will begin in the funeral home at 9:00am. Interment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Taunton. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. For directions or to leave the family an online condolence, please visit www.r-mfh.com.

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