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.
Anne and Judy,
Denise and I will not be able to attend the service on Sunday because we are out of the country until mid March. Our condolences to you on the loss of a great friend of ours. We know this a very sad time for you guys and it is for us as well. Was just remembering the Sunday mornings I would bring your mother home from church and, of course , John would have the meatballs and sauce going…always offering a plate to try. I tried contacting you guys when I couldn’t find John at his home. Please give us a contact number to get hold of you. We will see you soon. Again, we are very saddened by your dads death
Dick and Denise Anderson
I remember sitting next to John in the City Band in the late 60’s and early 70’s as I finished high school and went on to music school at Ithaca College. He was a great gentleman and a fine musician. I even sold him my trumpet.
I send my condolences and know he is greatly loved and missed.
Doug Fish
We Tacketts lived in sight of John & Marj on Cottage Hill Rd..
As kids, we would always enjoy the Marine home on Halloween. The door would open and a smiling couple would offer an excited comment about our lackluster costumes. We would be invited into the living room and got to pick out what goodies we wanted. The only house that didn’t get egged for giving popcorn balls!
We loved having them in our experiences and could not leave them from our thoughts as life went on. I don’t recall respecting many adults as a tot, but John was on my short list. Later on in life, while visiting my mother, I’d see him walking in the sunshine with that permenant smile on his caring face. Down the road he’d go while flipping his walking golf club about. What a great man. I will think good thoughts as my brothers and I babble on about our childhood stories while in his neighborhood.
God bless you John.
You were an effective and cherished angel on this earth. Rest peacefully sir.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of getting to know Mr. John at Westmount. He really was kind gentleman. May you be comforted from the memories you have of him. And also of a promise of a time when death will be no more (Revelation 21:4). Please accept my deepest condolences.
Anne
i was so sorry to read about your father’s passing; i know too well the hole that is left with a departing parent; i also remember well dad’s fond memories of your father from their time at imperial together;
i hope you are well and know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult period.
ritch wardwell
I wanted to share with you a story about John. I had the pleasure of being one of John’s nurses at westmount. He was a wonderful man. In one of our conversations I found out he used to frequent my family’s store; Trello’s Mkt. On Main St in Hudson Falls. He was able to recall my Families names and stories about them. A huge smile and twinkle in his eye made me so happy to meet someone who knew them. I was working a double and he offered to get me water off my nurse cart and said, you work so hard, thank you. I truly will never forget that conversation or him. He is flying high now, rip John!
Anne and Judy
Just heard about your Dad and am so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful person and i so enjoyed the time i spent caring for him in his home. Have many wonderful memories of him. He was always more concerned about other people around him than he was himself!. Fly high John and RIP.