July 20,1933 – September 30, 2024 of Saint Louis, Missouri. On Monday, September 30, 2024,
John Ross Marino peacefully entered his eternal rest
at the age of 91. He was surrounded by his family and the excellent, compassionate
caregivers at Jefferson Barracks VA Hospital in Saint Louis, Missouri.
John was born on July 20, 1933 in Saint Louis, Missouri to Rose (Amaro) Marino and
Leo Bartholomeo Marino. He was baptized at the Old Cathedral with his Uncle Ross
Marino and beloved Aunt Martha Mangan as his godparents. He attended Emerson
Grade School and Cleveland High School. John enlisted in the United States Air Force
at the age of twenty, and he served in the USAF for four years during which time he was
stationed in Japan. There, he received technical training in order to climb telephone
poles and work as an installation and communications repair man. He was honorably
discharged on May 31,1957, and he ranked as an Airman First class.
After returning home, John began working for Kroger grocery stores. On September 19,
1959 he wed his beloved Shirley Ann Wood, beginning a marriage that would last over
sixty-six years. Following in his paternal grandfather’s trade, John completed a course
of study in barbering and barber science, and he graduated in July of 1962. In the
1970’s, hairstyles were long and business was lean. On his days off and in order to
supplement his income, John began cutting the hair of nursing home residents. He also
earned a certificate in heating and air-conditioning, and he began doing repairs and
handy-man work. He was a jack of all trades, and he could fix almost anything.
John once admitted that he had an affinity for the elderly, and felt it stemmed from his
maternal grandfather who lived with his family while he was growing up. This
experience eventually led him to make house calls to his clients who were no longer
able to travel to the barbershop. After cutting hair for sixty-two years, he was known to
so many as “John the Barber”. John recently retired from barbering at the age of
eighty-nine.
In the early years of their marriage John and Shirley belonged to St. Stephen
Protomartyr Catholic Parish in South Saint Louis. There they had three children: John,
Nick and Lisa. In 1971, they purchased a property in Imperial, Missouri that once
belonged to John’s maternal grandfather: Joe Amaro. With the help of Shirley’s father,
William P. Wood, who was a carpenter by trade, they renovated the house and raised
their three children in Immaculate Conception Parish in Arnold, Missouri. Here, John
was very active in their chapter of The Knights of Columbus. John and Shirley moved to
Oakville, Missouri in 1995, and they have been members of Saint Margaret Mary
Alacoque Parish ever since.
John was very proud of his Italian heritage, and he and Shirley visited Italy many times.
He belonged to organizations on “The Hill” in Saint Louis, including The Fratellanza
Society and the Italia – America Bocce Club, where he loved to gather with friends and
family and was known to many.
John is preceded in death by his parents Leo and Rose (Amaro) Marino, sister Rita
(Marino) Ulrich and son John Anthony Marino. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley
(Wood) Marino, son Nicholas Leo Marino, daughter Lisa (Ken) Anvender,
daughter-in-law Teresa Marino, his seven adoring grandchildren: Kenneth (Megan)
Anvender, Steven (Michaela) Anvender, Angela Marino, Amanda (Alex) Cisneros, John
Ross (Molly) Marino, Andrew (Cecelia) Marino, Joseph Anvender, three great
grandchildren: Calum John Anvender, Ellis Anvender and Ferris Anvender, two
brothers: Joe Marino and Leo (Judy) Marino, brother in law Joe Ulrich, and many
cousins, nieces and nephews.
John will be remembered for the warmth and joy he brought to those who knew him and
for his examples of love in action.
“For love proves itself by deeds.” – Saint Therese of Lisieux.
A private Catholic funeral mass was held on Friday, October 4th, 2024, and a military
burial with full honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery followed. A memorial
mass will be held Saturday, November 16th, 2024 at 11:00 am at Saint Margaret Mary
Alacoque Church, 4900 Ringer Road, Saint Louis, Missouri 63129. This will be followed
by a luncheon at the Italia-America Bocce Club, 2210 Marconi Ave, St. Louis, MO
63110.
I am very sorry to hear this. My condolences to Johns family. John was a very good man.
My heart goes out to his family, knowing he will be greatly missed.
We loved John, and will miss him. He was such a genuine person!
We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. The couple times we met him at the USNA gathering at the Bocce Club he was such a kind man. We also know he was very well known and loved in South County at his barber shop. Our prayers go out to all of his family and friends.
Remembering John as he used to cut my dad’s hair (Angelo Lato) as well as some of his brothers and my sons. My sons have fond memories of being at his shop sweeping the floor & of course the soda machine. John is now in God’s loving arms.
Was a classmate of John at Moler Barber College in 1962. Was a friendly competitor of John for many years. He was on Grand Ave., I on Virginia Ave. We met many times at hairstyling classes and seminars, and also enjoyed many lunches together on our Monday day off. I cherish the memories !
I celebrate the life of my dear Uncle John—a remarkable man whose talents and kindness touched the hearts of so many. He served his country and dedicated himself to his community, embodying the values of courage and compassion. Above all, he loved his family.
Uncle John had a unique gift for bringing joy to those around him. His sense of humor was unparalleled; he knew more jokes than anyone I’ve ever met, and his laughter could light up any room. I cherish the moments we shared, filled with his infectious laughter and warm spirit.
Though we lived far apart, every visit felt like a homecoming. The connection we shared transcended distance; it was a bond built on love, respect, and shared memories. I miss him deeply—his kindness, his stories, and his wisdom.
Uncle John, you will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for being an incredible uncle and an inspiration to all of us. Your legacy of love and laughter will live on in the stories we share and the memories we hold dear.
Rest in peace, dear Uncle John. You are truly missed.