Robert Marinaro

CHESHIRE-Robert C. (Bob) Marinaro, 80, of Cheshire, has passed into eternal rest on February 25, at St. Raphael's hospital surrounded with love and his entire family. He was the beloved husband for 59 years of Elizabeth (Font) Marinaro.

Born in the Town Plot area in Waterbury, he was the son of the late Onofrio and Minnie (Trumfio) Marinaro. A graduate of the 1949 class of Sacred Heart, he was a member of the basketball team who were a part of the 1949 New England championship. He attended UCONN and honorably served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

After he was discharged from the Army, Bob began his career in the food industry and opened up the Cheshire IGA supermarkets and Village IGA in Southington. As owner of the stores and an active member of the community, Bob was a strong presence in the Cheshire area known for his support of many organizations.

He was a member and past president of the Cheshire Rotary Club and received the Paul Harris Fellowship of which he was very proud to have received. He was also a two term past president of the Farms Country Club; a member of the Army Airforce Roundtable of CT; an honorary member of the Cheshire Fire Department and served as a Board of Director for Cheshire Academy. He was a member of the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and was a recipient of the Book of Golden Deeds from the Cheshire Exchange Club. Known throughout the community for his support of local organizations and charities, Bob supported organizations such as COCO, the Cheshire Jaycees, Cheshire Youth Baseball, the Bozzuto's Charity Sports Tournament, Special Olympics and St. Bridget's Church, to name just a few.

Besides his cherished family and friends, Bob's passions were the game of golf, the New York Giants and the New York Yankees. Upon retiring, he spent many years during the winter season in Palm Desert California and later West Palm Beach Florida.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his four sons Robert (Katie) of Watertown, Rick (Cindy) of Cheshire, Randy (Vicki) of Waterbury and Roy (Tiffani) of Oakland, CA and his daughter Leslie of Cheshire. He was blessed with grandchildren who he loved with all his heart: Eric, Rob, Tommy, Matt, Jamie, Jason, Evan, Nikki, Peter, David and Alexa. He is also survived by his beloved Aunt Viola Karraker and was pre-deceased by Aunts he cherished throughout his life: Mary, Nora, Toni, Eva and Katie. He maintained numerous friendships he cherished throughout his life.

Arrangements - Funeral services will be held on Thursday March 1, 2012 9:15 from the Alderson Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. Main St. to St. Bridget Church for Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Bridget Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Donations in Bob's name can be made to the St. Bridget's Building Fund 175 Main St., Cheshire, CT 06410 or to the Cheshire Fire Department, 250 Maple Ave, Cheshire, CT 06410.