Edward Joseph Marino Sr.

Marino, Edward J., Sr., age 88, Birmingham native, was born into Eternal Life on Friday, August 24, 2012. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Mary Marino; wife, Marie Ann Marino; brother, Sam A. Marino; and sister, Marie Cicio. Survivors include Ed's daughter, Mary Jo Elkourie (Mike); two sons, Anthony Marino (Theresa) and E.J. Marino (Marie); five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; niece and special caregiver, Cheryl Cook; and several other nieces and nephews. In WWII, Ed served in the Army Air Corp and was stationed on the island of Sai Pan in the South Pacific until the war ended. He returned home, married Marie Ann Lovoy, and they started their life together by opening a small grocery store. They worked side by side for 17 years. In 1964, Ed founded Shop-A-Snak Food Mart and as president led and nurtured the business for 42 years. He was one of the original 75 members who started the Our Lady of the Valley parish. While business was a big part of his life, his priorities were clear - faith, family, and then work. He was a devoted husband of 63 years, a loving father, and a beloved grandaddy. The visitation will be 9-11 a.m. Monday, August 27, 2012 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, with the Funeral Mass following at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial, Southern Heritage Cemetery, Pelham. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Catholic Charities, P.O. Box 12047, Birmingham, AL 35202.