Alexander - Marinello

Alexander Marinello was born in Detroit, Michigan on April 20, 1926 and reluctantly left this world on June 17, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.  Alex loved life and wanted to live to 101. Alex was especially proud of his Italian heritage. His parents, Vito and Josephine, had both been widowed and each brought children into their marriage; Alex was the first child born to their union. He often recalled many happy memories of his large family - his father's wine making, his mother's wizardry in the kitchen and managing to care for her large family with little money during the great Depression. During World War II, Alex enlisted in the Navy; though he seldom talked about the war, vivid memories remained of Kamikaze planes diving towards his ship. He was discharged from the navy shortly after Allied Invasion of Okinawa as two of his brothers had already been killed in action. After his discharge, Alex worked at one of Detroit's automobile plants long enough to know he was not cut out for factory work. He became a tile setter - but not just any old tile setter. For Alex, it was not just a livelihood but an art, as evidence by his being consistently employed and specifically requested - with people calling him well into his 80s wanting him to work for them. Alex left Detroit for California in the late 50s. After first living in Rubidoux, he ad his family moved to Redlands in 1970 where he remained until his death. A man of many interests, Alex loved going to casinos, prospecting for gold, playing poker with his buddies, being a member of Elks Lodge 583, trips in his RV, big band music and telling his many stories. He was a wonderful husband, awesome father and grandfather, and tile man extraordinaire.
Alex was predeceased by his first wife, Phyllis, mother of his three daughters; second wife Janice Marinello; his parents; and siblings Mike, Leo, Joseph, Rose, Pauline, and Tony. Im 2009, Alex married his current wife, Mae. His family and her family were neighbors when the Marinellos lived in Rubidoux; first, an invitation to spaghetti dinner - and a long-time friendship blossomed into love. She was blessed and honored to share his last years. his three daughters - Linda, Theresa and Vicki - are left to cherish memories of the dad who was always there for them in every way. Their childhood was one of camping at the beach, road trips, family gatherings, and the barbeques Alex was famous for. Also left to mourn his passing are his grandchildren Heather Toby, Jeffrey and Steven Moore, son-in-law Larry Moore and great-grandchildren Brenten and Ariel. He was dearly loved by Mae's family as well; daughter Gabrielle Symmes, sons Jen and Robbie Banks, seven more grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings Vito Marinello and Antoinette Siragusa. He will be greatly missed by special friends Eldon Moon, Paul and Bev Rigano and a host of others, including Cornelia and the rest of his Kaiser Hospice crew.