QUEENSBURY – John Marine, Jr., passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2016, following a lengthy illness, with his daughters by his side.
John was born in Fort Edward on August 19, 1922, the son of the late John and Joanna (Bonitatibus) Marine.
He worked from the age of nine and into his teens at Smith’s Bakery in Fort Edward, making the locally renowned Smith’s finger rolls.
A talented young trumpet player, John was accepted at the Julliard School of Music at the age of 16, however, family responsibilities prevented him from attending.
He graduated from Fort Edward High School in 1939.
John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. His first assignment was as a military recruitment officer in Washington, DC and in Detroit where he signed the first women recruits to serve in the Marine Corps during the war. During the last two years of his service, he was stationed in Belfast and London.
He was a proud member of the American Auto Workers Union and Steelworkers Union and in the 1960’s and 70’s he was elected business agent and the President of the American Federation of Musicians AFL-CIO, Local #129, covering the upstate New York.
Following retirement from Ciba Geigy, John resumed his musical career full time with his own dance band, The Staff Members, performing at countless weddings and special events in the area.
John will always be missed and remembered for his great sense of humor, the wonderful meals he prepared for his family and as a loving father and self-proclaimed “Luckiest Grandpa in the world”.
In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Marjorie (Loiselle) Marine.
He is survived by his daughters, Anne Marine and Judi Marine (David Wilsey); his sister, Mrs. Jean Koehler; his grandchildren, James Powhida, John Powhida (Chen) and Molly Sample (Anna); his great granddaughter, Ray Anne Powhida; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends may call from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., on Sunday, at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls.
A private burial will take place in the spring at the convenience of the family at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Fort Edward.
John’s family would like to thank the staff at Westmount Health Facility for their compassionate care and also to thank John’s neighbors.
In lieu of flowers, friends may wish to remember John with a donation to the James Clark Music Fund, LaSalle School, 391 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.carletonfuneralhome.net.