John L. MARENCO

LTC John L. Marenco Age 68, of Hockessin, DE, died Thursday, June 24 in St. Francis Hospital. Mr. Marenco was born November 14, 1930 in Wilmington, the son of the late Victor and Louise (Rapuano) Marenco. He was a sales manager for the Huber Baking Co., later Schmidt Baking co. for 28 years, retiring in 1988. He was then employed by BFI Waste Management in sales. Mr. Marenco enlisted in the Delaware Army Nation al Guard in February, 1951. Later, he was called to active duty and served for 2 years. Upon his return to the National Guard, he was commissioned a Second-Lieutenant Artillery. He completed several military schools, including the U.S. Army Air Defense School at Fort Bliss, TX. He served in a variety of staff positions and commanded BTRY "C" 4th BN/198th and was Commandant of the Delaware National Guard Officers Candidate School. Among his many awards and decorations is the state's highest award, the Conspicuous Service Cross. Retiring after 27 years of service, he remained very active in National Guard activities. In 1991, he was named the Delaware National Guard Annual Training Honoree. LTC Marenco was a member and past president of the DNG Retired Officers Assoc., The National Guard Assoc. and the DNG Retiree Assoc. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Men of Malvern, St. Anthony's Holy Name Society, North Brandywine Kiwanis and a founding member and former officer of Italo-Americans United. He was a former member of the cliff Lawson Quintet-Plus One Musical Group. LTC Marenco is survived by his wife of 46 years, the former Mildred J. Antonio; his son, Carl V. Marenco of Landenberg, PA; his brother, Robert Marenco of Wilm.; and 3 grandsons. He was predeceased by his daughter, Donna M. Marenco in 1977 and his brother, Francis Marenco in 1996. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church, 9th & DuPont Sts., on Tuesday morning, June 29 at 11:30 am. Interment, with military honors, will follow in the Delaware Veterans' Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the CHARLES P. ARCARO FUNERAL HOME, 2309 Lancaster Ave., (Opp. Cathedral Cem., 658-9095) on Tuesday morning from 9-11 am. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Assoc., 1096 Old Churchman's Rd., Newark, DE 19713.