Philomena was born in West Haverstraw, NY April 23, 1931, the daughter of the late Michael and Rose (Donato) Marino. She grew up on Liberty Street in Danbury, and was a graduate of both St. Peter School and Danbury High School.
Philomena was married to John Garcia, who died in 1998, and together they raised three children. She was employed at Danbury Hospital in Patient Registration for over 30 years, and continued working part time in that department following her retirement.
Philomena was a very active and independent woman who rarely sat idle. She was always cooking and decorating her home, and loved nothing more than welcoming family and friends, always having a home cooked meal for them. She adored her entire family, and had many lifelong friends for whom she always made time for. She was active in her community, volunteering at voting booths, and planning many high school reunions with her peers.
In her spare time, Philomena could be found puttering around her yard, planting flowers. She enjoyed shopping not only for herself, but would always pick up things to give to family members or friends for no special occasion.
Philomena had a personality that was so genuine and strong, and would always give her honest opinion. She had a way of making people laugh, even if they were meeting her for the first time. She will be greatly missed by many.
Philomena is survived by her children, Wayne Garcia, Lisa Carmignani, and Cheryl Long, her eight grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and one great great grandson, all of whom she adored immensely. Also surviving are sisters: Anita Jones, Elaine Potenziani, and Marilyn Scalzo, along with several nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own. Philomena was predeceased by her brother Peter Marino and sister Theresa Lobdell.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am on Thursday January 4, 2024 at Saint Peter Church, Danbury. Burial will be in Saint Peter Cemetery, Danbury.
The family will receive friends at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury on Wednesday January 3, 2024 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or online at michaeljfox.org .
