Leonard F. Marino, age 81, passed away peacefully on March 16th, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers. Born in Stoneham, MA he was the son of the late Frank and Mary (Ialuna) Marino. He was the beloved husband of the late Lorraine (LaCamera) Marino.

Our wonderful father was raised in Somerville, MA. He moved to Medford, MA where he raised a family of four. During his children’s early education at St. Joseph Parish in Medford, Dad was immersed in the social scene and athletic programs there. He could be found every weekend at the Parish readying for his next event. He was instrumental in establishing and cultivating the St. Joseph Athletic Program.

If you met him even once, you would say he made you laugh. Dad had a quick witted, sharp sense of humor that left you waiting for his next "line". Leo was a master of cooking and never showed up at a party without his softball sized meatballs and his famous sausage and peppers. Dad was a fierce wordsmith who would easily compose impressive letters and opinionated editorials which would leave you reaching for the dictionary. We are happy that as an avid golfer, Dad was able to spend the last 15 years living in Florida on a golf course. Last year, even with his illness he continued to play in tournaments. One of Dad's proudest moments and a testament to his love of his family was his being named the 1976 Medford Father of the Year. More than the public recognition and prizes he received, he knew he had done a great job being our dad. Please help us keep Leo's memory alive by making someone laugh today, cook someone their favorite meal or show someone some love.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted children; Donna Miller and her husband Tony of Windham, NH, Richard Marino and his wife Josie of Beverly, Gary Marino and his wife Julie of Burlington, Laura Dean and her husband Leo+ of Norton. He was the loving papa of Alexandra, Mackenzie, Christopher and Brette Olivia Miller, Luke Marino, Desmond James Marino and the late Isabella Rose Marino. Longtime companion of Joan Azevedo of Naples, FL and lovingly survived by her children and grandchildren. Brother of Vincenza "Lee" Mangiaratti of Attleboro, Stella Standring of Florida, and the late Daniel Marino. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held from the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN, MA, Saturday, March 21st, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High St., Medford, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Friday from 3:30 p.m. thru 8 p.m. Services will conclude with military honors and burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. Late U.S. Marine Corp veteran of the Korean War. In keeping with Leo's wishes to see a playground built in the memory of his late granddaughter, Isabella Rose, memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of Beverly Recreation / Friends of Dane St. Playground, P.O. Box 691, Beverly, MA 01915 www.danestplayground.com. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.dellorusso.net