Once in a while, a life comes along that is so beautiful, people are instantly drawn to its energy. This perfectly describes Elvira “Aunt Vera” Marino, 72, of Penns Grove. She left this life peacefully on May 28, with her loving family by her side.
Born in Villa San Giuseppe, Reggio Calabria Italy, Elvira came to America in 1962. Though she never had children of her own, her sister Alba’s four children always considered Zia Elvira to be their second mom. Her devotion to her family could never be questioned, as she risked her life in a tragic house fire to try to save the life of her niece, Rosalba.
She could not have been more heartbroken had it been her own daughter. She was an amazing person, and her positive spirit touched many lives. Even at the height of her physical discomfort, during her long and courageous battle with lung cancer, Aunt Vera welcomed people into her life and put others before herself.
She was well respected in the community, and deeply loved by family and friends. Along with her sister Alba, Elvira owned and operated Marino’s Pizzeria on Virginia Avenue for over 30 years. She also served as president of the PTA at Saint James Grammar School, when her nephews and niece attended school there.
Being from Italy, Aunt Vera was of course, an excellent cook. She enjoyed Sunday dinners with the family, as well as Easter and Christmas Eve gatherings. She took so much pleasure in making Christmas cookies and Easter breads for family and friends who always looked forward to her delicious creations.
Elvira was preceded in death by her parents, Natale and Celestina (nee Chirico), two brothers, Antonino (Mary) and Giovanni (Giuseppina), four sisters who were very young, as well as her beloved niece Rosalba, with whom she is now reunited. She is survived by her sister Alba “Debbie” Marino of Penns Grove, her nephews Raimondo and Roberto (Karen), and her niece Lisa. She was also blessed with five “grandchildren,” Matthew, Nicholas, Rachel, Sarah, and Nathaniel, who adored and loved their Zia.
Elvira is also survived by many other nephews and nieces, both here and in Italy. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Friday, May 31st, 7:00-9:00 pm at Ashcraft Funeral Home 47 State Street, Penns Grove, and again on Saturday at 9:30 am at Corpus Christi Church 369 Georgetown Road Carneys Point. Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, June 1st at 10:30 am.
Interment at Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro, NJ. www. ashcraftfuneralhomes.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Elvira G. Marino please visit our Sympathy Store.
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