Dr. M. Joseph de Marinis

Dr. M. Joseph de Marinis died peacefully at age 90 on May 24, 2013 of natural causes in West Palm Beach, Florida where he had recently moved to be near his daughter, Lisa. He was the first of three sons born to Marino and Julia Carnesale de Marinis in New York, New York, where his father was a prominent and prosperous hat designer and manufacturer, with de Marinis Hat Inc. Joe was an excellent student who was engaging in premedical studies when called to service with the U.S. Navy during World War II. His military duties took him to the South Pacific where he was in the medical corps on a support ship from 1942 to 1946. After an honorable discharge at the end of the war, he completed his undergraduates work at Holy Cross and went on to Marquette University School of Dentistry where he received his D.D.S. degree with honors in 1950. He then returned to New York to marry the love of his life, Carmel Rose Zupa, in 1950 after which he embarked on a busy career, developing a thriving dental practice in Mount Vernon and Bronxville thereafter, while raising two daughters Marian and Lisa. Joe was extremely active in the life of his community, and moved into leadership roles in numerous civic organizations including the Elks as Exalted Ruler, President of Kiwanis, ICA President and headed many other groups over the years. He was perhaps best known for his work in public education. He served as President of the Mount Vernon Board of Education in the 1960's, a period of turbulence during which he provided steady and forward looking leadership. After retiring from his dental practice, he and Carmel moved to Sag Harbor, New York, making many friends there and eventually moving to Lutherville, Maryland in 1995 to be near their daughter Marian and grandchild Diana. Carmel passed away last summer after 62 years of marriage. Besides his professional excellence, Joe was known for his love of people, especially children, and his dry sense of humor. He was the life of any gathering he attended. He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Marian de Marinis Damewood, her husband, Dr. Richard Damewood, granddaughter Diana Damewood, daughter Lisa de Marinis, grandson Benjamin and brother Dr. Leopold de Marinis. Reposing, Hawthorne Funeral Home on Tuesday, 10 AM-11AM. Funeral Mass, Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, N.Y. at 11:30 AM. Entombment to follow.
HAWTHORNE FUNERAL HOME
21 West Stevens Ave.
Hawthorne, New York 10532
914-769-4404

Born in N.Y., N.Y. on Jan. 17, 1923
Departed on May 24, 2013 and resided in Mt.Vernon and Bronxville, NY.

Visitation: Tuesday, Jun. 4, 2013
10:00 am - 11:00 am

Funeral Mass: Tuesday, Jun. 4, 2013
11:30 am

Cemetery: Gate of Heaven Cemetery

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