Marilyn A. Mannino's Obituary
Marilyn Agnes Mannino
Heaven-bound on Sunday, November 9th, 2025, the 19th anniversary of her beloved husband Vito Mannino’s passing, Marilyn died peacefully with family around her in her daughter’s home in Brandon, Florida. Marilyn, affectionately known as Mom, Mama, Mommy, St. Marilyn, Grammy, Grandma, GG, and Sunny, was born in Johnson City, New York, on March 11th, 1943, as the first child of her parents, Mary Conti Spaulding (deceased) and Franklyn Spaulding (deceased). She was raised with three brothers—Donal (deceased), David, and Danny—and a sister, Debi, and lived in many places before the family settled in Cortland, NY.
Marilyn graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School and briefly attended college to become a nurse. She was married for a short time and had her first two children, Mark and Lisa Mannino.
She met Vito Mannino, the love of her life, in 1966. They merged their two families, officially welcoming Vito’s son, Vito Joseph Mannino (deceased), in 1968, as they built a new home at 3 Stanford Drive, Homer, NY. The family grew quickly with the birth of new children: Jill (married to Leo Ines-Galura), Joseph (married to Kris Benton), and Betsy (married to Todd Kirshbaum). Marilyn’s love and dedication to children, not just her own, became one of the greatest joys of her life. The bounty of that love continues to flow through her family: 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren now beginning their own chapters. Each one is an echo of her unwavering love.
Marilyn started her Girl Scout leadership journey in Homer, NY, with Troop 455. She found nothing too challenging for her to handle, whether it was camping, selling cookies, or organizing various activities. During those years, she was known as the neighborhood Mom and began providing at-home care for working families. Both of those roles continued after her family moved to Clearwater, Florida. She ensured all the children in her care could swim, learn, grow, and, most importantly, feel unconditional love.
Marilyn was a devout Catholic who regularly attended church in Cortland, Homer, and Clearwater. She volunteered with the Women’s Group – Sophia’s Women of Wisdom, participated in Right to Life activities, and served as a Greeter at the mass she attended.
As the most amazing woman she was, everyone — family or others — knew they would find a home if their situation left them in dire straits. There was nothing she wouldn’t sacrifice to ensure her family had everything, especially during the most amazing holidays, particularly Christmas.
She instilled a love for reading, sewing, embroidery, outdoor activities, and more. Her quick wit never left her – even in her final days.
A service to celebrate Marilyn’s life will be held on December 5th, 2025, at 10 am at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church with Rev. Drew Woodke. The church is located at 1955 S Belcher Rd., Clearwater, FL 33764. There will also be a gathering to continue celebrating her life at her home immediately afterward.
What’s your fondest memory of Marilyn?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marilyn?
Share a story where Marilyn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marilyn you’ll never forget.
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