Lydia V. Marino departed this world peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, January 21, 2024. She left behind an amazing legacy of hard work, perseverance, compassion and an unwavering faith in God.

Lydia was born February 13, 1926, in Messina, Italy to Bruno and Camela Vadala. She grew up with three sisters, Santina, Smeralda, and Mima, and three brothers, Teo, Lino, and Renzo.

In the early 1940's she graduated from the University of Messina with a degree in Liberal Arts with the distinction of Magna cum Laude. She later taught elementary school in Calabria, traveling over an hour each way by ferry.

Her family survived occupation and the destruction of their home during World War II. Despite the hardships they faced, she and her siblings helped each other graduate college and go onto professional careers in teaching and engineering.

In 1960, a young naval veteran of WWII named Pasquale Marino traveled with family to Italy. He met Lydia, they fell in love and were married that same year.

Lydia spent the next several years transitioning to life in the US - mastering a new language, learning to drive, and giving birth to four sons, Bruno, Pasquale Jr, Maurizio, and Alex. At the same time, she began a new profession as a successful restaurateur, taking over the Italian restaurant started by Pasquale's parents and family. Luigi's became a beacon in the community of Jacksonville, North Carolina and for the Camp Lejeune staff and soldiers. Pasquale Sr. ruled the kitchen, passionately creating and introducing home cooked Italian staples. Lydia however was the face of the restaurant, the quintessential hostess who also managed the business side of the restaurant.

Lydia and Pasquale Sr. eventually retired in the 1990's, passing the culinary torch on to their sons Pasquale Jr. and Maurizio for many more years. They moved to St. Petersburg, Florida where Lydia was a devout active member of the Cathedral of St. Jude The Apostle. She served as the president and loyal member of the Legion of Mary and the Women's Guild. She also administered liturgy to residents of local nursing homes in the surrounding community.

In her later years, she enjoyed spending time at home with fabulous food and surrounded by family. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren served as a continuous source of joy and laughter. To those who knew her, she remained welcoming, thoughtful, loving, and passionate about her family and Catholicism to the end.

She is preceded in death by her parents Bruno and Carmela, her siblings Santina, Smeralda, Mima, Teo, and Renzo. Her husband of 33 years Pasquale, and her beloved eldest son Bruno.

She is survived by her brother Lino of Monza Italy, as well as numerous nieces and nephews residing in Italy. Her sons Pasquale Jr, Maurizio, and Alex (Jessica). Grandchildren Hayden (Jacqi), Dane (Jackie), and Karissa (Joshua). Great grandchildren, James, Charlotte and Poppy Lou. As well as much loved cousins, nieces, and nephews residing across the US. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Lydia's honor to Suncoast Hospice https://suncoasthospicefoundation.org/donations2/ or St. Vincent de Paul https://stvincentdepaulsouthpinellas-bloom.kindful.com/