Deacon Louis A Marini

Louis Augusto Marini was born December 24, 1932, and passed peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, March 1, 2023.  He is preceded in death by his father Augusto Marini, his mother Rose L. Marini, and his siblings Madeline Farruggio, Peter J. Marini, and Roger E. Marini.

Deacon Lou Marini is survived by his wife, Catharine M. Marini, his three daughters; Catharine Lou (Steve) Harris, Rosemary (Keith) Mager & Gina E. Marini, his 7 Grandchildren; Catharine Jo Madden, Amanda R. Hewitt, Inez P. Mager, Heather L. Mager, Alex J. Porter, Rodney L. Porter & Christian A. Porter, 7 Great-grandchildren, and his nephews; Peter Marini, Sam J. Farruggio, Joey S. Farruggio and his nieces, Lynne Marini Hicks and Maria R. Farruggio.

Since childhood, Deacon Lou has had a strong faith, and in 1980, while visiting family in Florida, he had a calling. On the steps of Holy Name of Jesus Church, he heard the Lord speak to him strong and clear, and He said, “This is where you will do my work.”.

In June of 1981, the family moved from Levittown, PA to Niceville, FL where Deacon Lou dedicated himself to a life of service to the church and the people. He was instrumental in the start of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which is now known as Niceville Catholic Outreach.  He loved taking care of the church, the people and preparing the alter for daily Mass. He ministered to those in need, visited the children in Head Start every day, and was ready to help wherever he was called.   

For many years, Deacon Lou played an active role in the Knights of Columbus, and he also served as director, coordinator, and teacher for both the RCIA “Right of Christian Initiation of Adults” program and the Alter Servers.

Ordained Deacon on June 6, 1992, Lou was able to serve the people in a new way. Among his many Deacon duties his favorite was baptizing the babies. Following the sacrament, he gifted the parents with the seashell he used and a bottle of the holy water. For many years, he would call the parents on the anniversary of their baptism to remind them to bless their child with the holy water.      

Deacon Lou’s final ministry was touching the hearts of the people at The Manor in Bluewater Bay during his final year of life. There he enjoyed bingo, chair tai chi, weekly rosary, monthly mass, visiting friends in the dining room, and of course, giving blessings and fist bumps to everyone he saw. 

Deacon Lou Marini will be honored at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Niceville beginning Friday, March 10, 2023, during a Vigil with Evening Prayers beginning at 7:00PM & Visitation thru 9:00PM.  The Funeral Mass will be Saturday, March 11, 2023, beginning at 11:00AM.  Immediately following Mass, join us as we all do the pencil trick during Deacon Lou’s Celebration of Life Reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of Deacon Lou Marini to Niceville Catholic Outreach, 1200 Valparaiso Blvd, Niceville, FL 32578