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John Louis Marino, 44, of Lexington, NC, born December 15, 1978 in New Haven, CT passed
unexpectedly on March 10, 2023.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Amanda Talley Marino; step children, Chase McNelis and Hailey
McNelis; mother, Karin Hoffman Rock of Spencer NC; father, Paul Louis Marino of Salisbury NC; and brother, William Paul Marino and his family. John also is survived by aunt and uncles, many cousins both here in the USA and in Italy, and many many friends. He was loved by all who ever met him.
He was predeceased by his grandparents, Louis and Lydia Marino; William and Mabel Hoffman; and his step-father, John D. Rock.
After graduating from East Rowan High School in 1997, where he was accorded honors from JROTC rifle
team, (best in the state marksman1997 competition), he enlisted in the Air Force. He retired from the
Air Force as a Tech Sergeant after a distinguished career serving all over the world. He went where he
was needed. He was very instrumental in building the bomb dump in Afghanistan at Bagram Air Base,
after the Russians had vacated it. He also served in Iraq doing hazardous duties. The motto: IYAAYAS
was one he lived his entire military career. John served proudly, even volunteering for duties that
jeopardized his health to allow his fellow troops who had families a better chance at life. Never
complained about his choices, no matter what it did to his own body and health. After retiring, John
worked at the Salisbury VA Medical Center, always striving to do his best, which he did.
John loved many things, especially WWII history. He was brilliant at it, and was always seeking more
knowledge. One of his many interests was Re-enactments of WWII Russian Living History Events. John
would bring many of his authentic items and rifles to display and explain each piece in detail and
accuracy like a walking, talking history book.
John loved RC cars, shooting, riding the trails at Uwharrie in jeeps, even in his vintage Army vehicles. His loves of history also led him to serve on the board of directors for the Rowan Museum.
His sense of humor and his love of offbeat music in any language could keep people smiling. John loved
going to antique shops to find unique items to decorate their home. He loved his home and family most
of all.
He was unforgettable!
He will be interred at the Salisbury Veterans National Cemetery. Details of service will be provided at a
later date.
Carolina Cremation is assisting the Marino family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.
Leesa Reynolds says
John was a great guy. He will he misses dearly by many.
Don & Dory St Charles says
Our thoughts & prayers are with Amanda & family. Didn’t know him well, but what I knew he was a kind guy & fun to be around. Sending positive vibes … rip John
Michelle Floyd says
My condolences to Amanda and family. John was always so kind and helpful. I know he will be dearly missed.
Samantha Beaver says
Reading this entire memorial gave me chills. He will be missed and we love you guys. ♡
Carie Davis says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family and his dad.
Allie Larrabee says
Lighting a candle for the family. John was an amazing guy, who will forever be missed by many. Forever grateful for the many talks about animals and cars that we had.
Jennifer Tanner says
When we met you and John and the entire family we know we had come across our people. Lex and I are so blessed to have had the opportunity to know John. His kindness and the kindness of your entire tribe has truly left an impact that I will always be thankful for! We love you all!
Susan Erpenbach says
I am blessed to have meet you both as Teens, we always crossed paths with each other as we grew into adults. I am honored to have my memories of him and you both.
Stephanie O'Sheaf says
It still seems surreal that he is no longer here. My thoughts are with you, Amanda, & the kids, and the rest of the family. He was a great friend in high school and I will miss his crazy posts. Thank you for all of your sacrifices, John. Now you can rest easy.
Dawn Hendry says
John was one of a kind! He saved me more times than I count! I knew once he met Amanda he had finally had the same love that John showed every one else. I know his presence will be missed by all that loved him. Amanda hugs to you and your family. RIP John 💜
Jeff Gowen says
I got to now John through reenactments. I will miss him.
April Holt says
John was a amazing person inside and out, I always loved watching his wife’s fb 2c what he would bring home next & surprise her with John always bought some of the coolest things Each one had a great story or meaning behind them. I also loved his big “Duce” truck No matter how much pain John was in he very seldom complained he always wanted his fam to be happy & healthy.He definitely was a hero in so many people’s eyes.John until we all meet agian.Just know we all will be to support Amanda anyway we can.
Amanda,chase,Hailey & Johns family u all are in my thoughts & prayers R.IP John
Pat Walker says
We become friends while you & John had your camper beside us at the lake. My heart breaks for you Amanda, also for Chase & Hailey
I can’t imagine the hole left in your heart. Know that you all are in my thoughts & prayers. Sending big hugs and I have lit a candle for you
Wanda & Bruce Bailey says
John was a remarkable guy, his smile warmed your heart. My prayers for your family……
Brian Correll says
Very sorry for your loss, John will be missed by many.
Christina and Josh Mitchell & Ronnie Joyce says
We are so sorry for your loss. John sounds like he was a amazing man and will be greatly missed. Keeping your family in our thoughts.
Ashley Schaller says
John was definitely a father figure to me and one of the best! I will never forget our summer fun we had when we all went tubbing!!! Forever in my heart!
Love from Ohio!
Justy Smelley says
Until Valhalla my brother!
Frank Errato says
Frank and Mary Errato
Rest In Peace nephew. Love ya!
Nancy Whitehead says
Dearest Cousin – What a beautiful write up! Your son sounds like such a fine man, no wonder you were, and always will be, so very proud of him…I wish I had had the opportunity to meet him. Gerry and I send our love and deepest condolences. Love, Nancy & Gerry
Melissa Wilson says
John brought the best out of people. He touched the hearts of many. John will be missed.
Melanie says
Dear John. No, that sounds like the movie. I haven’t posted anything until now because I don’t know what to say about such a wonderful man gone too soon! The day I met you, it was like I had known you my whole life. That day, Amanda and I picked right up like there hadn’t been 30 some years since we had seen each other, that’s friends! You and Amanda were absolutely perfect for each other! You saved her! You saved so many people John! You are an American Hero! You are no longer here in body but you will always be here in thought. Rest John. Rest in peace American Hero John Marino
Tina Rhodes says
I met John through uncle Tim, and aunt Sharon. He was a kind hearted guy, kept to himself until you got to know him. I will miss him at cookouts in the summer months. You will be missed , but never forgotten.
Jordan Wheeler says
I’ve only known John for the past year. He was a great man and fun to collaborate with at work. My condolences goes out to his family and friends. I will keep you in my prayers.
Mashonda McCauley says
My condolences to his family and friends- he was a pleasure to work with – thank you for your service John and may you rest in peace.
kim Falsion-flemming says
So sorry for your loss. Keeping his family in our prayers.
Amanda Savage says
I went to Middle School/High School with John…rode the same bus a few years…then years later he shows up working at the VA with me. He was such a kind person. He will be missed by his VA family. Continue prayers for John’s family.
Ashley Reep says
My condolences to his family and friends. He was such a kind individual to work with.
Kimberly Davis says
John was a wonderful, kind person. He was always there to help the CDCE-Voluntary Service office where Chase was one of our youth volunteers. We are Keeping the Family lifted in Prayer! Our deepest condolences to you all, God Bless!!!
Pamela Young says
I didn’t know John seen him around the VA Hospital. Just want too say Thank You For Your Service and God Bless you and your family.
Katherine Vriesema says
We will miss John here at the VA. He was such a kind and thoughtful person. So sorry he had to leave his family and friends too soon. Thoughts and prayers to your family
Tina Jackson says
I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know John Marino personally, but I never forget a face seeing him in passing at the VA he would always speak to me and he always smiled, unforgettable! My prayers are with Amanda and family now and in the days to come. May God Bless you all.
Russell Covington says
John was a one of a kind guy. He would stop what he was doing if you asked for his help. No task to small or big for him. He will be missed here at the VA and especially by his engineer family.
Rest easy soldier.
Until Valhalla
Ian Hunt says
John.
I’m going to miss you man. Serving with you in Kuwait, at PGM stationed at Pope, and LAN parties with the Gronvolds.
I am going to miss you man.