Francis G. Marino

Francis G. Marino, 59, of West Hartford, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer, with his beloved wife Cathy (Christ) Marino by his side. Fran was born in Hartford on February 9, 1966 to the late Joseph Marino and Mary (O'Connor) Marino and was raised in Bloomfield, CT.
After graduating from Bloomfield High School, Fran pursued his passion for the culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI, where he earned a BS in Culinary Sciences. Although his love and talent for cooking were nurtured early on by his parents and beloved grandmother, it was at Johnson & Wales where Fran launched what would become a brilliant and celebrated career as a chef.
Fran spent many formative years working alongside his dear friend Billy Grant, honing his expertise as a pastry chef-a craft in which he truly excelled. Fran brought joy to countless friends and family with his extraordinary desserts, especially during special occasions, where his confections became the centerpiece of every celebration. Throughout his career, Fran lent his talents to some of Connecticut's most renowned kitchens, including The Max Group, Bricco, Grant's, and Truffles. He was extremely proud of three occasions when he prepared meals at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City. His passion for food was not confined to the kitchen: cooking was a constant thread throughout his life. He loved discussing recipes, techniques, and flavors, and he was a voracious reader of cookbooks-probably the only person on the beach reading a cookbook. Fran mentored hundreds of chefs and pastry chefs over the course of his career, many of whom have shared how deeply he influenced their growth and inspired their passion. His recipes and legacy live on in kitchens across the country.
Fran was a devoted and loving husband who supported and cherished his wife through every high and low. As a father, Fran was amazing. He was the proud dad of two boys who were the light of his life. Nothing made him happier or feel more fulfilled than being their father and watching Harry on the wrestling mat and Ronan on the soccer field. Fran's warmth, humor, and generous spirit touched all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished by his beloved family, his dear friend Andy Mahoney, and the countless friends and extended loved ones whose lives he brightened simply by being himself. We mourn his passing, but we also remember the joy, love, and laughter he brought into our lives.
Besides his wife Cathy of 25 years, Fran is survived by his two adored sons, Harry A. and Ronan J. Marino. In addition, he leaves his brother Joseph A. Marino, Jr. and his wife Gina; his sister, Mary EJ Marino; his brother, Richard A. Marino and his wife Toni; and his sister-in-law, Missy Marino. He will also be deeply missed by Cathy's family, Richard and Kathleen Christ, Maureen and Robert Bordeaux, Michael and Shelley Christ, and Nuala Christ, who all loved him as their own brother. Fran leaves many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews whom he loved very much. In addition to his parents, Fran was predeceased by his brother, Michael J. Marino, and his brother-in-law, John P. Christ.
Calling hours will be Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark the Evangelist Church, 467 South Quaker Ln., West Hartford. Everyone is requested to meet directly at the church. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make a contribution to The Marino Education Fund c/o Liberty Bank, 970 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, CT 06107 or digitally through this link to The Marino Education Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Francis, please visit our Tree Store.