Obituary of Joanne R. Marino

Joanne R. Marino, 78 Retired Cook, Senior Center Director, Mom, Nana Joanne R. Marino, 78, of Meiers Corners, passed away on November 22, 2020 after a brief illness. Joanne was born on Staten Island on June 9, 1942 to Ralph and Josephine (Sorokata) LaMendella. She was raised in Mariners Harbor, then West Brighton, where she attended Blessed Sacrament School. She also attended Notre Dame Academy of Staten Island and Seton Hall University, where she obtained her degree in education. After marrying, Joanne was an elementary school teacher at Saint Bartholomew Catholic School in Manchester, Connecticut. After moving back to Meiers Corners in 1968, Joanne was a homemaker while working at her father's luncheonette (Ralph's), along with her son, CJ. Joanne then went on to work at Cassidy Coles Senior Center in Randall Manor as assistant director, then director. Joanne recently retired from cooking at the rectories of both the Church of Saint Rita and Holy Family Church for over 20 years. The parish of the Church of Saint Rita meant a lot to Joanne. She spent much of her time there worshipping and enjoying celebrations with fellow staff members of the parish. While raising her children, Joanne's home was the house on the block where everyone could be found. Joanne enjoyed hosting traditional holidays, taking ocean cruises, shopping, and making religious pilgrimages.Joanne enjoyed spending time with her beloved grandchildren. In addition to her son CJ (James Velten), Joanne is survived by her daughters, Lisa Ghigliotti and Kari Byrnes (Kevin). She was the adoring grandmother of Emily, Ella and Kaylee Ghigliotti, and Thomas,Aidan and Rachel Byrnes. Joanne was the former wife of Charles E. Marino. Joanne's children would like to thank the Richmond University Medical Center staff and the St. Rita's family for their care and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations to one of the following would be greatly appreciated: Richmond University Medical Center Attention: Laura Gajda 355 Bard Avenue Staten Island NY 10310 https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E85754&id=23 or Church of Saint Rita 281 Bradley Avenue Staten Island NY 10314 (718) 698-3746