Albert "Al" Marini

Somers – Albert Thomas Marini, age 82, passed away at his home on Monday morning, September 15, 2014 following a longtime struggle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Albert was born in Spring Valley, Illinois on February 5, 1932 to the late Albert and Florence (nee: Barto) Marini. He graduated from Holy Name Grade School in 1946, St. Catherine’s High School in 1950, and went on to attend Milwaukee School of Engineering. Albert faithfully served our Country with the United States Navy during the Korean War. 

On June 13, 1959 in Holy Rosary Catholic Church – Kenosha, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Bernardine “Bernie” (nee: Ricciardi) Marini. Al carried on the family business here in Racine, Marini Manufacturing, for over 50 years until he passed the torch on to his son, Tom, in 1997. 

With a profound Christian faith, Al was a devoted member of St. Lucy Catholic Church in Racine and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Kenosha. He was also a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, National Tool and Machining Association, and Roma Lodge. Later in life, Al enjoyed participating in the Wednesday Afternoon Retirement Bowlers at Plaza Bowling Center, was a longtime Amateur Radio enthusiast, enjoyed spending time in his expansive yard – especially his barn; and he savored ice-cold Coca-Cola, chocolate, and cashews. 

For his entire life, Albert didn’t swear, complain or talk about anyone in a negative manner; always treated everyone the same; was forever optimistic, upbeat and saw the bright side of all situations; was constantly lending a helping hand to others; and was a reliable source of encouragement to his treasured family. 

Surviving are his loving wife of over 55 years, Bernie; their children, Anne Marie Kroes, Mary Jo Marini, Margaret (Mike) Kahn, Laura (Scotty) Spaulding and Thomas (Nicole) Marini; grandchildren, Katie (Rob) Holewinski, Kristin (Marco) Spada, John (Rachel) Kroes; Kathleen, Rob and Pete Kahn; Dominic, Gianna and Adrianna Marini; great-grandchildren, Albert, Abel and Olive Holewinski (baby Holewinski due Sept. 2014 and baby Spada due Nov. 2014); sister-in-law, Frances (William) Smithana; brother-in-law, Carlo (Marcy) Ricciardi; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Albert was preceded in death by his adored granddaughter, Kimberly Rose Kroes; and by Bernie’s parents, Giuseppe and Ada Ricciardi. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 18, 2014 at 7:00 pm in Saint Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue in Racine, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating.   Visitation will be in St. Lucy Church on Thursday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm (Roma Lodge service at 5:30 pm). Entombment, with military honors, will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32 on Friday at 11:00 am. A luncheon will follow the cemetery service. In memory of Albert, memorials to St. Catherine’s High School or to the Wisconsin Parkinson Association have been suggested. 

 A heartfelt note of thanks to the Aurora-St. Luke’s Regional Parkinson Center in Milwaukee – especially Dr. Paul A. Nausieda; caregiver – Nadia; and Hospice Alliance for the compassionate care and support given in Al’s time of need. May God bless all of you!