Catherine Marino

Caterina Marino
09.28.1933 – 10.24.2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Caterina Marino, beloved mother, wife,
grandmother and friend. She passed away peacefully on October 24th, 2024 at the age of 91.
Born on September 28th,1933 in Menfi, Sicily to Antonino and Giuseppa Tumminello, Caterina was
known for her strong will (i.e. testa dura), determination and hard work ethics. She attended elementary
school until the 3rd grade and soon started working as the town seamstress. At the age of twenty-six,
seeking more work opportunities, Caterina was a pioneer amongst her five sisters, as they all ventured
to Switzerland for work opportunities in the textile industry. She lived there for ten years at which point
her coworker introduced her to her now late husband and Sicilian American immigrant Gaspare Marino.
Upon marrying Gaspare, she was excited about the opportunity to live in America in search of the
American dream. They built a life together in Valley Stream, NY and had two daughters. Although she
endured some difficult health challenges with her husband and mother-in-law, she continued her work
as a seamstress and then a tailor up until the ripe age of 82. Caterina enjoyed big family gatherings at
their home and cooking delicious Italian meals for the family. Through her work and neighborhood
involvement, she touched many lives with her big heart.
Caterina is survived by her children, Josephine O’Connor, Donna Rodriguez, her son-in-law Mike
Rodriguez and her grandchildren Daniel, Jack, Massino and Matteo. Caterina joins her late husband,
Gaspare, in peace.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests a living tribute by planting a tree in memory of Catherine
Marino by selecting the link below.
Plant a Tree Gift - Memorial Trees - Plant a Tree in a National Forest https://www.alivingtribute.org/
A tree planted in someone's memory is a living tribute that benefits present and future generations, and
is perhaps the most fitting memorial gift of all. Your memorial trees planted in National Forests will be
honorable monuments and active participants in nature's plan for decades to come.