Cover photo for Joseph G. Marano, Sr.'s Obituary
Joseph G. Marano, Sr. Profile Photo
1929 Joe 2024

Joseph G. Marano, Sr.

July 15, 1929 — December 21, 2024

Joseph G. Marano, Sr., businessman, owner Marano Gardens, LLC

 Joseph G. Marano, Sr. (Joe) passed away peacefully at his home in Fort Washington, PA, on Saturday, December 21, 2024. His daughter, Mary Marano-Holena, was by his side. Joe actively worked at his garden center, Marano Gardens until he was 92 years old. Over the past few weeks, he had been slowing down, and his passing was gentle, due to a weakened heart.

 Joe was born on July 15, 1929, in Chestnut Hill, PA to his parents Vincent and Antoinette Marano. He graduated from Lower Merion High School and attended St. Joseph’s College for a semester before beginning his career and family life. Joe was the only member of his immediate family to serve in the military, spending two years in the Army after being drafted during the Korean War.

 Joe had three children, Joseph (Natalie), and twin daughters, Mary (Robert Holena) and Joan (Ivan Goyco). He had eight grandchildren, Andrew, who preceded him in death, Alex, Caroline, and Julia Goyco, Joseph III, Nicholas, and William Marano, and Sophia Holena. He was fortunate to be healthy and able to spend time with his grandchildren, watching them grow, and seeing them work toward their dreams. He was preceded in death by his brothers Luke, Sr., Vincent Jr. and his sister, Mary Reiss.

 Many people knew Joe from working at his family’s grocery store, Caruso’s Market (now Weaver’s Way in Chestnut Hill) and Marano Gardens. After marrying Joan Crouse Marano in 1959, he and Joan embraced the Marano entrepreneurial spirit and started Marano Gardens, a garden center in Fort Washington, PA, in 1960. However, starting the business was slow going at first and he took a job at the drug manufacturer, Rorer’s Pharmaceutical in Fort Washington, PA, as a tablet coater for 20 years. At the same time, he and Joan became self-taught horticulturist and were active participants in the Philadelphia Flower Show from the mid-1970s to the mid-1990s.

 Joe embraced the simple joys of life—his morning coffee, good meals, and time with family. He found deep satisfaction in the work he did and in the life he built. God, family, and the Garden Center were his constants. His contentment made him both comforting and enjoyable to be around. He wasn’t someone who chased after more or longed for things beyond his reach. Instead, he embraced what he had built over the years and lived each day feeling fulfilled. His customers, who often became friends, were very important to him. He liked saying hello to the many people he knew in Chestnut Hill and those who visited the Garden Center. Even up until last year, he would come out to sit and greet customers.

 Joe spent his final days as he did throughout his life in a busy household with his children and various grandchildren coming in and out for visits and many aides, nurses, caregivers, and friends who would stop by. They’d bring chick-fil-a, coffee, tomatoes, bread and pesto, or just pop in to say a quick hello. It’s fitting that Joe passed during the Christmas season that is deeply tied to family. He has now been called to join his eternal family, all of his relatives, and loved ones along with God and the Holy Family. Amen, Alleluia to a life well lived with family and friends.

 Because of the holiday season, a private service and interment will be held. A memorial service will be planned in the future.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph G. Marano, Sr., please visit our flower store.

Guestbook

Visits: 182

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree