Carmen Marano

Carmen Matthew Marano, 99, long-time resident of Ridgefield, N.J. died peacefully on Sunday, June 6, 2021.  Born May 23, 1922, in Hoboken N.J. to parents Josephine (nee Verno) and Anthony Marano, Carmen lived in Hoboken until deploying with the army to serve in the Pacific Theatre during World War II.  Upon returning home in 1946, Carmen married his sweetheart, Marie Cortellino.  They settled in Ridgefield to raise their family and lived there for more than sixty years, before recently moving to the Cedar Crest community in Pompton Plains.

Carmen is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Marie, as well as his three sons and their spouses: Anthony and Marilyn Marano of Wayne N.J., Len and Diane Marano of Washington Township, N.J., and Rich and Eileen Marano of Mantoloking, N.J.

Carmen was predeceased by his parents and his three sisters, Lucy DeGregorio, Marie Pianese and Michelle Marano, as well as his daughter, Marie, who passed in infancy.

He is lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Alison and Adam White, Christine and Rob Odell, Jillian and Mark Capalbo, Dana and Alex Cunningham, Connor Marano and Griffin Marano.  He enjoyed his great-grandchildren Samantha, Robert, Reese, Ashley, and Ella.

Carmen was happiest when surrounded by his family.  He was active in his community, volunteering for the Ridgefield Fire Department for more than 40 years, coaching his sons’ baseball teams and worshiping at St. Matthews RC church. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, Frank Sinatra, and the craps tables at Caesar’s.  Carmen was also a terrific dancer, and his Cha-Cha was the highlight of many social events.

He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate/).