Rose J. Marino, 94 of Winter Park, Florida passed away Thursday, February 1, 2018. Mrs. Marino was born April 11, 1923 in Cartago, Costa Rica to Elias Arias and Adelia Redondo.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 51 years, Gaetano "Tommy" Marino, and her devoted son, Walter. She was also predeceased by her sisters, Alicia and Melita, and her brothers Hernan, Efrain, and Carlos.
She is survived by her daughter, Linda Richter, and son-in-law, Jeff; grandchildren Grant, Julia and Alicia Richter; Angela and Christopher Marino. She is survived by one brother, Alexis, San Jose, Costa Rica; sister-in-law Ida Auteri (Rusty); brother-in-law Richard Marino; and nieces and nephews in Costa Rica and the northeast U.S.
Rose immigrated to the United States from Costa Rica in 1960. Having learned to speak english before she arrived, she began with a millinery (hat making/sewing) job in New York City, and quickly obtained a secretarial position on Wall Street. She met the love of her life, Tommy, at a dance held at Roseland Ballroom, New York City. They married in 1961 and lived in Brooklyn. Their son, Walter, was born in 1962, and the family moved to Levittown, New York before the arrival of daughter, Linda, in 1964. Rose and Tommy raised the family in Levittown, where Rose dedicated her life to her family as a homemaker, assuring that her children were involved in many aspects small town life, including Little League, dance lessons, scouting and St. Bernard's Catholic Church. She was a talented seamstress and cook, blending her Latin heritage and her adopted Italian heritage of her husband's family, into amazing cuisine.
The family moved to Winter Park, Florida in 1977. Rose took a position with Sears Roebuck, working in the credit department. Upon retirement, Rose and Tommy traveled, and took an active part in the lives of their children and grandchildren. They enjoyed supporting their grandchildren's activities, and hosting large family dinners.
Rose was a life long Catholic. She had an enduring faith in God, His mercy and His plans for her. She demonstrated love and graciousness throughout her life.
The family requests that donations be made in Rose's memory to Hope CommUnity Center, Apopka, FL,
407.880.4673 ext: 227