Tony Marino was one of the good guys.
Tony Marino
The Westport artist and proud World War II veteran died Sunday at home. His obituary reads like something out of a bygone era — sort of, what happens when the Greatest Generation goes to Westport — but it is an important reminder of how tightly, for several decades, the arts and sports and volunteerism were woven together in town.
Tony — a Pennsylvania native — joined the Army at 18. He served in the Pacific Theater from 1942 to ’46, surviving combat in New Guinea and the Philippines, followed by service in occupied Japan.
Thanks to the GI Bill, he attended the Ad Art Institute in Pittsburgh. Tony then worked as a men’s fashion illustrator. He and his wife moved to Westport in 1959, and raised 3 children here.
He worked for more than 20 years as a New York department store fashion illustrator. In his free time he pained landscapes and Westport scenery — with a distinct, award-winning eye.
He spent many years as a Little League coach. Other hobbies included fishing, good food and wine, and veteran’s affairs. Every year, Tony marched proudly in the Memorial Day parade. His uniform still fit perfectly.
When I bought my condo, my realtor — Gale Zucker — gave me a gift: a watercolor of my new home, painted by Tony. He made the house come alive — by emphasizing the fir trees around it I have come to love.
From time to time, I change what’s on my walls. That painting always stays. It’s a graceful reminder of Westport — and the artistic legacy created by men like Tony Marino.
(Tony Marino’s memorial service takes place todaty (Sat., Jan. 29) at 1 p.m. at Zion Hill United Methodist Church in Wilton. Memorial contributions may be made to the Westport Historical Society, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT 06880.)
Along with Nina, his wonderful wife, Tony was a caring and sharing neighbor. I agree, Tony is definitely one of the good guys and he gave so much of himself and his talents to Westport over the last fifty years.
We will all miss Tony. We met over twenty years ago and he never spoke much but when he did one would listen. He was a man of great wisdom and giving. Tony was one of our heroes. May he rest in peace and love & condolences to Nina and the family.
Toni and Steve Rubin
I played for Coach Marino’s Minor League Team The Dodgers in 1973. I was 9 years old at the time and wanted to be a catcher. Coach Marino instilled a love and passion for the game that I still carry today. Thank you Coach for getting me off to a great start in Baseball. My best to the family. You will truly be missed.
I was fortunate to play for Coach Marino on the Cubs in 1977 & 1978. He taught me the fundamentals of baseball but more importantly throughout my athletic career, the understanding of sportsmanship. I would be remising if I didn’t take a moment to say thank you Coach.
Thanks Dennis you are a good man and a great neighbor.