BT1 George Marina, 73
United States Navy, retired
Born: Feb. 21, 1939
Died: June 24, 2012

George E. Marina, 73, of Cassopolis, died at 3:16 a.m. Sunday, June 24, 2012, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka, following an extended illness.

He was born Feb. 21, 1939, in Terre Haute, Ind., to George and Laura Marie (Johnson) Marina.

He enlisted in the United States Navy as a young man, and served 20 years prior to his retirement in 1977. His service included the entire Vietnam era, during which he served three tours in Vietnam. He also continued to serve in the reserves.

In retirement, George used his power plant training from the Navy to operated boilers at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for 17 years, retiring in 1996.

George enjoyed nature, watching wildlife in his backyard and hunting and fishing.

He also enjoyed leatherworking and woodworking in his home shop, and watching television shows about nature and history.

He had a great interest in basset hounds and always had at least one at home.
George was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers and two sisters: Jeanette Roberts, June Lewis, Jimmy Marina and Fred Marina.

Surviving family includes his children, George N. “Rocky” (Sandra) Marina, of Toledo, Ohio, Clint E. (Becky) Marina, of Toledo, Cal T. (Shawna) Marina, of Niles, and Tereza L. Marina, of Cassopolis; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; George’s sister, Susie Starzynski, of South Bend; sisters-in-law, Orie (Jim) Marina and Mille (Fred) Marina; brother-in-law, James Roberts; and many nieces and nephews.

Services for George E. Marina will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 1, 2012, at Apostolic Christian Tabernacle in Niles with Pastor M. Trent Avance, of the church, officiating.

The service will conclude with full military honors in the churchyard by the United States Navy Honor Guard and American Legion Post 51, of Buchanan.

The family will receive friends and relatives beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday at the church.

Arrangements were made at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.