Dr. Francis A. "Doc" Marino

Dr. Francis A. “Doc” Marino, age 91, of Utica, passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2007, at the Presbyterian Home for Central NY, Inc. Born in Utica on October 3, 1915, Doc was one of fifteen children born to the late Pasquale and Domenica (LaBella) Marino. He was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. Upon completion of his undergraduate collegiate studies at the University of Notre Dame, he pursued the path of medical school and was awarded his Doctor of Medicine Degree in 1943 from the St. Louis University School of Medicine. In 1945 he established his own practice at 903 Mohawk St. as a General Medicine practitioner, a career that would span 41 years, before his retirement in 1986. As a proud veteran, he served in the Medical Corps. of the Armed Forces. In 1943 he married the former Mary T. Rusinek with whom he shared 57 years until her passing on February 9, 2001. They were devoted to each other and to their family and were thankful for the blessings they shared during their life together. As a physician specializing in Anesthesiology, he was blessed with the knowledge and respectability needed to excel in his field, and in the 1960’s he became associated with the St. Elizabeth Hospital. A compassionate and patient physician, a loving family man, and an admired gentleman are cardinal virtues that epitomize Doc’s persona. He was the consummate humanist who was always concerned about others. As a hard working man, he truly enjoyed his winter residence in Deerfield Beach, Florida, especially with his beloved Mary. He was an accomplished musician, and played the saxophone and clarinet in high school, college, and the Veterans of Foreign War Band. As an avid sports enthusiast, he enjoyed playing tennis and golf. He served as equipment manager of the University of Notre Dame Football team, he also played the clarinet in the University of Notre Dame Marching Band. As a proud alumnus, he lovingly followed the football games of his alma mater, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He also participated in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (R.O.T.C.). He was a longtime parishioner of St. Francis DeSales Church and more recently of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Doc was proud of his myriad professional memberships and affiliations. He was a member of the American Medical Association, the New York State Medical Society, the Oneida County Medical Society, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and the New York State Society of Anesthesiologists. He was a Life Member of the New York State Medical Society and the Oneida County Medical Society and Academy of Medicine. He was the physician for the Maria DelAssunta Society, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and examiner for Mutual of Omaha Insurance Co., the St. Joseph’s Home for Children, and the St. John’s Home. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Hospital and served as president of its medical staff in 1964; he was also on the courtesy staffs of Faxton Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital. He was a member of Lambda Phi Mu Medical Society of St. Louis University and was also president of the Catholic Medical Society of St. Louis University. He received his third degree and fourth degree of Knights of Columbus, and was a member of the Order of Alahambra. He was past president of the University of Notre Dame Club of the Mohawk Valley, and he ran for coroner in 1948 when Truman was elected President of the US. He was appointed a member of the Municipal Housing Authority under the administration of Mayor Boyd Golder, and was appointed Medical Director of the Oneida County Social Services Department under both Commissioners George (Rink) Williams and Cletus Goetz. He was also a member of the Commity Club and Frolickers. Doc is survived by his sons and daughter-in-law, Francis P. and Heide Marino of New Hartford, and Dr. Joseph M. Marino of Rochester. He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Teresa Marino. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Patrick F. Marino of Long Island, Angela P. Marino of New Hartford and her fiancé Roy A. Miller, Jr., and Laura Jo R. Marino of Rochester. In addition, he leaves his sister, Anna M. Gelfuso of Utica; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and his in-laws, Frances and John Francati of North Syracuse, their son John and his wife Maxine Francati and their children, and Helen Rusinek of Utica; and his longtime family friend, Kathleen Hanna who has been very caring to Doc. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers and their spouses, Roscoe and Mary Marino, Rose and Joseph Barrella, Maurice and Lena Marino, Lucy and Anthony Iocovino, his twin sister, Antoinette A. DiRoberto, Daniel A. Marino, and Elizabeth “Betty” and Dominick DeTraglia, as well as several infant siblings; and his brothers-in-law, Stanley Rusinek, and Frank “Jeff” Gelfuso. The family appreciates and thanks the staff of the Presbyterian Home, especially the Birch Wing, for their personal concern and commitment to Doc. Visitation will be held Tuesday (today) from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Dr. Marino’s honor to a charity of your choice; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Doc’s funeral will commence on Wednesday morning at 10:30 from the funeral home and at 11:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish at Mt. Carmel Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Dr. Francis A. "Doc" Marino

October 3, 1915 - January 27, 2007