Aspasia “Kathryn” Marino was born in the Bronx, New York, on November 10, 1933, the only child of Christ and Catherine Barboun and she passed away on July 20, 2026, and will be missed by all her family and dear friends.

She married her childhood sweetheart, Anthony Marino, on April 30, 1955, and they had three children: Lillian, Christopher, and Mary Kay. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother (Nana, as everyone called her). She had five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, with a fifth on the way. Kathryn was adored by the entire family; a matriarch in the best sense of the word.

She was a glamorous woman, a fearless woman. Her skillset seemed limitless: she was an avid gardener, amazing cook, lover of the arts, and a history buff who always kept on top of current affairs. Above all, she was always in tune with the funny side of life. One of her mottos was “you gotta laugh”, and she had the best sense of humor.

Kathryn’s lifelong love of the arts began in early childhood, when her mother would take her to see Broadway shows each week. She had a soprano voice and enjoyed singing. A natural beauty known in her family as a “ringer for Grace Kelly”, she also had a sharp eye for fashion.

Kathryn relished a good story, whether it came in the form of a movie (“pictures” as she called them), a play, a Netflix series, or actual events from history. She loved her soap operas, keeping on top of the various plotlines. She could talk about anything and everything, maintaining a breathtaking knowledge of current affairs, politics, and pop culture throughout her long life. Topics you wouldn’t expect someone twenty years younger to even know about–Kathryn would easily chat on these at length.

Gardening was another of her passions. She could tell you how to keep a potted plant alive for years–she kept some plants going for 60 years by bringing them inside each winter. In recent years, the “Nana Piazza” was a cherished oasis punctuated by blooms and string lights.

Kathryn was proud of her Greek heritage and learned Greek from her parents. Her lamb and orzo dish was a staple of family Easter celebrations each year. Kathryn and Anthony hosted Christmas Eve parties featuring her homemade mussels and seafood pasta, animatronic decorations on display, and heaps of presents. Her spanikopita was a treat enjoyed throughout the year.

Kathryn gave family members countless wonderful memories on holidays and all year long. She kept everyone laughing with her stories and openness. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was a core figure in each of their lives. 

She has been the best mother and grandmother we could have asked for. She always encouraged us. You go to her for advice, and come away with words of wisdom you’ll be quoting for decades, a relevant story, and a plate of homemade chicken. All the while laughing and feeling loved.

Kathryn is survived by her daughters Lillian and Mary Kay and her son Christopher (spouse Christine); her five grandchildren: Kristen (spouse Nick), Carolyn (spouse Scott), Matthew, Christopher, and Diana (spouse Israel); her four great-grandchildren: Lucas, Evelyn, Olivia, and Julia; her sister-in-law Mary; her nephews Michael and Anthony (spouse Yoko); her great-niece May, and several cousins.

She is predeceased by her husband Anthony. 

Visitation will be held at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home, 414 Washington Street, Peekskill, NY 10566 on Monday, July 27, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Columbanus Church, 122 Oregon Rd, Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567 on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 10:00 am.

Entombment to follow at Hillside Cemetery.