John A. Marinelli, 96, of New Bedford died Saturday, July 10, 2021 at home peacefully in his sleep. He was the husband of the late Lucille B. (Frigault) Marinelli.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Carmine and Grace (Donato) Marinelli, he was a lifelong resident of the South End of New Bedford. He was a graduate of New Bedford Vocational High School.
Mr. Marinelli was formerly employed by New England Telephone Company as an auto mechanic at their New Bedford garage for many years until his retirement.
John was proud of his service in the U.S. Navy, having served in both World War II and the Korean War. During World War II, he served on the U.S.S. Bunker Hill and was aboard when it was struck and severely damaged by two enemy kamikaze planes during the Okinawa invasion. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Area Medal with 12 battle stars, the Philippine Liberation Medal with 2 battle stars, the World War II Victory Medal, and the American Area Medal. He was later recalled by the Navy during the Korean War and served aboard the U.S.S. Tarawa.
He was a longtime member and Past President of the Washington Club. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Whaling City Post 3196.
John was a creature of habit and followed the same weekly routine, which always included spending time with his family and many friends. He was loved and respected by many and will be dearly missed.
He is survived by two sons, John A. Marinelli, Jr. and his wife Shirley, and Robert J. Marinelli and his wife Nora; his sister, Grace Bourgault and her husband Paul; five grandchildren, Jamie Marinelli and his wife Wendy, Jarrod Marinelli, James Marinelli, Kathryn Sylvia, and Colleen Keyes and her husband Shane; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his grandson, Kevin P. Marinelli and his siblings, Mary Thomas, Rose Houbre, Loretta Bourque, and Charles P. Marinelli.
His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 10 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Friday from 4-7 PM. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.