John A. Marinoni, age 103 ½, passed away on May 29, 2016, while surrounded by his loving family. John was a remarkable centenarian who made a difference in the lives of everyone he knew. He was a brilliant man and his analytical mind was still fast at work up until his passing.
He was born December 3, 1912, in Rovetta, Italy to Andrew and Margherita Stabilini Marinoni. Married Annie Caserio, November 5, 1935 in Lead, South Dakota, they were married for 69 years until Annie’s passing in 2004.
John immigrated to the United States at the age of 6. He came on the ship Giuseppe Verdi from Genoa to Ellis Island. From New York his family took the train to Idaho to join his father and uncle.
At the age of 19 he started working in the mines in Utah. When he was 21, he moved to the Black Hills of South Dakota and began working in a gold mine. He met and married Annie. He moved to Bremerton, WA during World War II where he worked as a welder fixing the war ships for the Navy. John went to school at night to earn his High School Diploma and Safety Engineering Degree.
After WWII ended, John moved back to Price to work in the family owned Soldier Creek Coal Mine. The Marinoni mine was a family business, his parents and siblings all worked at the mine. In 1974, the Marinoni’s sold the mine. After he retired from mining, John joined his best friend Bert Prichard in a Salvage Yard where he invented many items.
In retirement, John loved to garden and work in his shop. John and Annie shared their vegetables with everyone they knew. A gifted welder and craftsman, John created countless items including chairs, end tables, and step stools. John Marinoni original “bullet proof furniture” are staples in the homes of his family and friends. His furniture will live on for centuries to come.
John was honored by the National Mining Hall of Fame with a Lifetime Legacy Recognition Award in 2005. He was a member of Notre Dame Catholic Church, Price Elks Lodge, and the Italian Lodge.
Survived by daughters, Charlene (Paul) Dupin, Price; Judy Cobb, Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren, Paula (Paul) Dupin-Zahn, Kaysville, UT; Pamela (Shane) Dupin-Bryant, Stansbury Park, UT; Joshua (Stacey) Leavitt, Jan (Ivan) Farris, both of Las Vegas; great-grandchildren, Candace, Courtney, Patrick, Kendel, Samantha, Phillip, Zane & Preston; brother-in-law, Clifford (Maxine) Caserio, Lead, SD; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Preceded in death by his parents, wife, two infant daughters, great-grandson, Ethan Leavitt; son-in-law, Jim Cobb; brothers and sisters, Clem and Joe Marinoni, Ancilla Marchino & Aurelia Cooley.
Funeral Mass, Monday, June 6, 2016, 10:00 a.m., Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church. Vigil service, Sunday evening 7:30 p.m. Mitchell Funeral Home. Family will be at Mitchell’s Sunday and Monday one hour prior to services. Committal service, Price City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of John online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to Notre Dame Church. We would like to thank Pinnacle Nursing Facility, Symbii, niece Madeline, nephew John for their loving care of Johnny.