Formerly served in Murphy, Hendersonville
JACKSONVILLE, Florida — Deacon Anthony “Tony” P. Marini passed away peacefully June 13, 2026 – leaving behind a legacy marked by devotion, kindness and unwavering faith.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, followed by a reception in the parish hall.
The community will have the opportunity to honor and remember Deacon Marini during the following services at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church: a viewing from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2026, beginning with the Divine Mercy Chaplet. A Rosary will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by a vigil service at 7 p.m.
Born on Nov. 13, 1930, in San Benedetto in Perillis, Italy, his life was a testament to loyalty, spirituality and gentle compassion that touched the hearts of all who knew him.
A man of profound intellect and dedication, he pursued academic excellence with determination. He graduated from Fordham College in 1952, earning a Bachelor of Science in mathematics, followed by an MBA in statistics from New York University in 1954. His journey in education laid the foundation for a distinguished career that began with his employment at Western Electric Co. and American Can Co. in Manhattan. Balancing work with a passion for teaching, he served as an adjunct associate professor of statistics at Pace College during the evenings, sharing his knowledge with eager minds. On July 14, 1956, he married Maria Patrizio, a long-time friend from Staten Island, New York who was born in the same town in Italy.
In 1965, he accepted a position with the Xerox Corp. in Rochester, New York, where his leadership and vision flourished. He participated in the Xerox Executive Leave Program in 1979 and championed the establishment of a non-profit corporation focused on empowering minority businessmen through Small Business Administration loans. From 1980 to 1984, he held the influential role of eastern regional manager for Xerox’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), demonstrating his commitment to supporting others in both professional and personal capacities.
His spiritual journey was equally remarkable and deeply inspiring. Together with his wife Maria, he embraced the Cursillo Movement, a testament to their shared devotion. In 1969, his faith and service were recognized when Rochester Bishop Joseph L. Hogan appointed him as diocesan lay director of Cursillo. His calling culminated in a profound milestone when, in 1978, he was accepted into the Diocese of Rochester’s first class of candidates for the permanent diaconate.
On April 17, 1982, he was ordained a permanent deacon by Rochester Bishop Matthew H. Clark, the start of a life of a sacred duty he fulfilled with loving dedication. In 1984, he and Maria moved to Florida, beginning a new chapter of service including migrant ministry and Hispanic outreach. In 1997, they moved to Ponte Vedra Beach and joined Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish. As part of his parish duties in his later years, after moving to Vicar’s Landing, he assisted at weekly Mass in the chapel and offered opportunities for spiritual growth.
In 1999, he was incardinated into the Diocese of Charlotte and served at St. William Parish in Murphy and Immaculate Conception Parish in Hendersonville. He retired from active ministry in 2004.
Deacon Marini was known not only for his professional accomplishments, but for his creative endeavors such as stained glass, watercolor painting and poetry. A man whose devotion was matched only by his humility and grace, he exemplified what it means to live a life rooted in love and service to others.
Throughout his life, Deacon Marini held two great sources of pride and joy: his faith and his family. He was a devoted husband to his beloved late wife, Maria Marini, and a cherished son of Claudio and Anna Marini.
Deacon Marini will be eternally remembered, not only for his impressive accomplishments, but for the noble spirit that defined his every moment.
He is survived by his loving children, daughter Agnes (Philip) Barber and son Claude (Janie) Marini. His legacy lives on vibrantly through his grandchildren, Lianna (Randy) Barlow, Stephen (Sheena) Barber, Gabrielle Barber, Anthony (Liis) Marini, Dominic (Rebeca) Marini, Christopher Marini and Cecilia Marini; as well as his great-grandchildren, Harmony, Alaina, Cora, Eevee, Rahel and Penelope.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios, Marywood Retreat and Conference Center or a charity of your choice. Donations to Marywood Retreat and Conference Center can be made payable to Marywood Retreat Center and mailed to 235 Marywood Dr., St Johns, FL 32259, or over the phone by calling 904-436-6592 (ask to speak to Ansley or Brianna_/
Condolences may be shared via the funeral home’s website, www.quinn-shalz.com.
Quinn Shalz Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
— Catholic News Herald