Vincent M. Marino

Vincent M. Marino, age 84, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, July 9, 2022, at the Lutheran Home, Clinton, NY with the love and support of his family.

Vincent was born in Utica, NY on November 19, 1937, a son of the late Patsy and Catherine Dileo Marino and was a graduate of Sauquoit High School. Vincent furthered his education and received his Business Degree from the Utica School of Commerce.  Vinny served for several years in the US Army Reserves. It was in Utica that he met and married the love of his life, Marilyn Jean Blowers on October 5, 1963. Theirs was a blessed union of 54 years, filled with faith and family at its core, until Marilyn’s passing on April 13, 2017.  Vinny began his business career in the Bread Baking Industry at Wonder Bread in Utica and later in NYC. Shortly after, he began a long, accomplished career with New York City’s largest Italian bread bakery, Bellacicco, as sales manager, general manager, and COO, and made strong and enduring friendships with many factory and distribution employees. Vinny had fond memories of his meetings with Mayor Ed Koch at Gracie Mansion and also with then-Vice President George H.W. Bush regarding the economic development programs he sought out and secured to modernize and grow the Queens-based bakery.  Vinny also took on with gusto the opportunity to show his company’s appreciation for the community in which they were located, and was recognized for his “support and inspiration” by the Flushing Boys Club in 1981.  He was loved by friends and family alike for his warm, kind, and caring nature, his wit and humor, and his generosity.

Vinny and Marilyn enjoyed traveling, especially Caribbean cruises and trips to Las Vegas and to visit family in Southern California. In 1991 as they began retirement, Vinny and Marilyn returned to the area and took up residence in North Utica.  They enjoyed their parish life at St. Mark’s Church, N. Utica, and the company of many longtime friends, especially Frank and Geri Voce and Vito and Norma Iuorno.

Surviving Vinny are his sister Phyllis Ritzel and her son Joseph, of Utica; his sister-in-law Alberta (Al) Blowers of Wells, NY; aunts Vita Marino and Bernice Caruso; nieces, nephews, and cousins, especially his cousin and caretaker Philip Caruso and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law George Ritzel and several in-laws and friend Beverly Iuorno.

The family would like to thank Kelly and the wonderful staff at the Lutheran Home, for their kind and compassionate care, and also a special thank you to Michael Caruso. Those wishing to memorialize Vincent are welcome to make a donation in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association, or to the charity of their choice. Envelopes will be available.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday morning from 10:15 am until 11:00 am at St. Mark’s Church, Keyes Rd.  N. Utica. His Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am in church. Private entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.