Anthony Marino Obituary

Anthony G. "Tony" Marino, Sr.

July 15, 1938 - May 16, 2025

Anthony G. "Tony" Marino, Sr., 86, passed away suddenly on May 16, 2025. Tony was also fondly known as "Mr. Busy," and "Poppy" to his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Patricia K. Marino (Morris) and his youngest child, Darren. Tony was born in Newark, N.J., to Michael and Anna Marino. As a youth, Tony played football, enjoyed going dancing in the New York City clubs and discovered his lifelong passion with cars. After graduating from Morristown High School, Tony enlisted in the US Army, proudly serving as a combat engineer during the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Tony always put his family above anything else. He was a proud, dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather. He was quick with a joke or smart comment to provide laughter during difficult times. Mr. Busy never stayed still. Tony worked in various industries throughout his life, always finding great success as a result of his immense determination and flair with people. Starting in his family's catering and event venue, The Birchwood Manor in Whippany, N.J., he was the heart of the kitchen as head chef. He then moved on to manage restaurants for Beefsteak Charlies and Emersons franchises. Eventually Tony's career path led to car sales for Nissan and Chevrolet franchises. His greatest accomplishment in car sales was being named the 37th best sales associate for Nissan in the USA. After this successful career, Tony and Pat found Cape May, N.J., where they fell in love with the town and opened a Bed and Breakfast, The Kings Cottage, and an antique shop and guest house, Past Memories. After years of serving others in these businesses,Tony and Pat "retired" to a log cabin on Bullet Pond in upstate New York's Adirondack region, went on several adventures together across the United States, moved to New Mexico for a time, and ultimately returned to Cape May County to be near their children and grandchildren. Staying true to his nickname, Tony left retirement in his early 70s in an effort to keep busy, and worked for Cape May County for 10 years as a Meals on Wheels driver delivering food and smiles to people less fortunate than himself. Tony truly enjoyed connecting with others. Tony is survived by his son, Anthony G. Marino, Jr. and wife, Barbara (Bakley); daughter, Melissa DeMusz and husband, Victor; his grandchildren, Francesca DeMusz, Dominic DeMusz and his fiancée Morgan McClure, Alexander Marino and his fiancée Mackenzie McCorkel; along with three great-grandsons, Frank DeMusz, Tucker DeMusz and Grant DeMusz. He will always be dearly missed and cherished by all. Tony was very generous with others and always donating to charities. If you wish to remember Tony, our family asks that in lieu of flowers, you kindly donate to any favorite charity of your choice in his name. By his request, services and burial will be private. Spilker Funeral Home, Cape May, is serving the family. Condolences at spilkerfuneralhome.com.