Anthony Mario Marinelli

Anthony Mario Marinelli passed away peacefully on February 14, at the age of 104 at the home of his son Andrew and daughter-in-law Debbie. He was a devout Catholic who had unwavering faith in the Lord. Anthony was born on July 22, 1921, in Agnone, Italy. He was the youngest child of Dominic and Lucia Marinelli. He came to the United States in 1929 at the age of eight with his mother and three older sisters. Anthony grew up in Youngstown and graduated from South High School. He enlisted in the Coast Guard during World War II. He initially served on the Great Lakes and subsequently as a gunner's mate in the Philippines and New Guinea until the end of the war.
Upon his return home at the end of the war, Anthony married the love of his life, Marie Antonelli, in 1946. Together they had two sons, Anthony Jr. and Andrew. In 1954 they purchased the family bicycle business, Cycle Sales Company, from Marie's parents and they forged it into a thriving enterprise patronized by generations of area residents. Upon sale of the business in 1979, Anthony continued to work at the business for many years for the new owners, Anthony and Joanne Acierno.

In 2019, Anthony along with 130 Ohio World War II Veterans were honored at a ceremony to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day. The event was hosted by the Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation along with the Cleveland Indians and the US Navy. At the age of 98 Anthony took his first single engine airplane flight with his flight instructor son Andrew, son Anthony and another area pilot, Dr. David Dunch.

Anthony leaves to cherish his memory: children, Dr. Anthony and Ellen Marinelli & Andrew and Debbie Marinelli. Grandchildren, Matthew (Susan) Marinelli, Dr. Melissa (Michael) Marinelli, Jessica (AJ) Burnett, Tiffany Hefferon (Bill), Mark Marinelli, Rachel (Josh) Mistovich. Great grandchildren, Domenica, Macie, Nathaniel, Cohen, Alexander, Evelyn, Ryan, Ethan and Siena. Also left to cherish his memory: Nephews, Nick (Cindy) Cerimele, John Cerimele, first cousin Donna Lee Gerlick and numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins.

Anthony was proceeded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Marie, his parents, Dominic and Lucia Marinelli, his three sisters and their husbands, Mary and John Diana, Phyllis and Tony Greco, Gilda and John Cerimele. He was also proceeded in death by his nephew, Dr. Anthony Greco and niece Joanne Diana.

Anthony's family would like to extend their unending gratitude to Patriot Hospice nurse, Tara and their aides for treating dad with such kindness, compassion and dignity throughout the course of this last year. Additionally, the family wishes to thank the staff and physicians at the Carl Nunziato Youngstown Veterans Administration Clinic. Special gratitude is extended to his primary caregiver, Jo Garver.

Family and friends can gather at Fox funeral home, 4700 Market St., Boardman, OH, Friday, February 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the evening.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place at Saint Dominic Church, 77 E. Lucius Ave., Youngstown, OH, at 10 AM on Saturday February 21, 2026. Celebrated by Rev. Frassati Davis, O.P.

Internment is to follow immediately afterward at Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown, Ohio.

Donations can be made to Saint Dominic Church, Patriot Hospice, or the Salvation Army.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. Boardman.