nathaniel (nat) marino
Nathaniel "Sonny" Marino of Weirton, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to all, passed away suddenly at his residence on Barone Drive in Weirton on Wednesday, September 22, 2021; he was 92 years old. Sonny was one of eleven, born to Joseph and Tina Marino on December 25, 1928. He graduated from Weir High School and spent a lifetime putting smiles on people's faces and giving back to his beloved Weirton. He held the position of Magistrate in Brooke County for more than nineteen years and was the previous owner of the Marl-Inn in Weirton. He received his work ethic from his father, Joseph. One day Sonny was to wash the windows of his father's bar; he did as he was asked; it wasn't good enough for his dad, and he was told to go back and rewash them. Eventually, Sonny thought they could use a break, so he asked his dad if they could close the bar on Sundays; his dad said, "Do you eat on Sunday?" Sonny replied, "yes" "Then you work on Sunday." He quickly got his answer. His tireless and unrelenting love for Saint Paul's Roman Catholic Church was evident in his days with their Holy Name Society, making sure that the church was ready for their current year and season. Breading fish for the Lenten fish fry and educating everyone that it was the breading, not the fish that people loved. Baking chocolate chip cookies for hundreds of people being respectfully known as "The Cookie Man." In addition, Sonny would often place a plate of Biscotti on your table at Christmas time, his birthday/Christmas present to the people he loved. Sonny was the epitome of Involvement; He held positions within the Weirton Knights of Columbus #3734, Kiwanis and Easter Seals of Wellsburg, the Weirton Water Board, and 3-Score Seniors. He always knew how to make his family smile; whenever a birthday was celebrated, Sonny was sure to make spaghetti for everyone, a tradition that they all anticipated. In addition, it was no secret to anyone that Sonny loved Christmas, his favorite holiday. He enjoyed decorating his house and turning his Barone Drive residence into the Griswold House for all to enjoy. His most enjoyable times were when he was with his family and his great-grandchildren, teaching them all how to give high fives; he called them the "Light of his life." He always greeted you with a smile, and you can bet he would tell you, "I saw daylight today!" In addition to his parents, Sonny was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann Maxwell Marino on September 13, 2010, his daughter Mary Susan Slowikowski, brothers James, Billy, Anthony, and Charles Marino, sisters Josephine Orenzuk and Anne Marino. Sonny will be remembered with an abundance of love and admiration by a daughter, JoAnn Varner of Weirton, a son William (Becky) Marino of Bergholz, OH., brother William "Cooch" Marino, sisters Carolyn Malesky, Darlene(Tom) Sessi, and Rosalie Marino, grandchildren John Slowikowski, Shannon Bauer, Cathy Catlett, and Kaitlin Kraina, great-grandchildren Brooks and Collins Kraina, Natale Catlett, Wyatt Bauer, Louise, and Sam. Visitation will be Sunday, 1-8 PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10:00 at Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church, Weirton. Rev. Fr. Babu Joseph Elamturuthil and Rev. Fr. Larry Dorsch will preside. Entombment will follow at Saint Paul’s Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to Saint Paul’s Grade School, 140 Walnut Street, Weirton, WV, 26062. Share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com 304-748-3219

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Guestbook

  1. Jo Ann and the entire Marino family, I was very sad to see the passing of your wonderful Father. I remember well the Marl Inn and the friendship my Father had with Sonny. I recall my Dad saying “no nicer guy” about him. Please know he will be remembered in my prayers. Noel Kirk West

  2. Some people should live forever. Sonny Marino is one of those people. The life he lived is a great example for everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with the Marino family, his friends and his neighborhood.

  3. Our sympathy to Sonny’s family. He will be missed by all who knew him. Wonderful man and friend. Bob & Mona Leach Kingsport, TN

  4. A genuinely good man. Always a smile, a helping hand or a good story. Sonny always had time for you no matter how busy or rushed he may have been. A life well lived. The 8:30 mass will never be the same again…..RIP Sonny.

  5. Heaven gained a true gentleman with the passing of this man. Forever grateful to have worked beside him in Kiwanis. I am sad that I was not able to get together for the biscotti making date that I had owed him. My sincere condolences to his family.

  6. To the entire Marino family, we send our deepest sympathy for your loss, a man who not be forgotten, who was always so pleasant, and had a smile for all. Please know that we have you in our thoughts & prayers. May Sonny Rest in Peace. Very sincerely, Michael & Marlene Runkel

  7. JoAnn and entire Marino Family, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Your Dad was of “ the greatest generation” who we could learn from and admire. Praying for you and sending hugs To you JoAnn❤️ Love, Mary Kaye

  8. Sonny was such a kind man I worked at Kroger downtown Weirton till they closed and he would always bring me Biscotti’s at Christmas time because he knew I loved them he will be greatly missed by many RIP Sonny.

  9. Sonny was a great friend to my father and mother. Very sorry to hear that he is gone, but I appreciate the life he lived. To his family, I hope that your memories of him sustain you in this time.

  10. Sending all our love and lots of hugs to the Marino/Varner family. Wish we could be there with you all. Love and miss you!

  11. Thinking of you warmly JoAnn and keeping you and your family in my prayers. Heartfelt sympathy to and yours. Hugs and blessings. Janna Sagan Mann

  12. To the Marino and Varner Family. Sonny was the best next-door neighbor that we could ever have. We send our deepest condolences and miss him greatly.

  13. Sympathy to the family, I will not be able to attend the visitation. You will be in my prayers. I met him because of Mary Sue.

  14. To the Marino Family you have the deepest sympathy from the Plesich Family. We always looked to Sonny as part of our extended family. Weirton lost one of its biggest supporters. My his soul Rest In Peace. 🙏. John Plesich

  15. Our hearts break for our family. As I look at pictures and read memories of Uncle Sonny’s life, I am blessed to have known him. He was a gift to his family, friends, church and community. As we age, there are some people we want to emulate, U Sonny is one of them. May God bless his family and give them peace knowing his life was well lived. It is difficult not to be able to be with family during this time. Prayers and our heartfelt sympathy.❤️ Greg and Debbie Selip


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