Marino N. Ortega Sr.

Marino N. Ortega, Sr., age 95, of Willingboro, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Select Specialty Hospital in Willingboro. Born in Camalig, Albay, Philippines, Marino, along with his brother Jimeno, immigrated to the United States in 1957 and enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, entering active duty in Gloucester City, NJ. In 1959, while stationed in Providence, Rhode Island, he met and married Mary, and together they raised four children. Moves from station to station, including long tours at sea, were a normal—and often stressful—part of Coast Guard family life. In 1965, the family relocated from Virginia to several bases along the New Jersey coast. In 1970, Marino and Mary decided to settle in Willingboro, N.J., providing their children with a stable and rooted community. While Mary stayed home to raise the family, Marino commuted to various Coast Guard stations along the East Coast, from Boston, Massachusetts, to Baltimore, Maryland. He proudly served for 30 years, retiring in 1987 as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 from the U.S. Coast Guard Chief Reserve Logistics Branch, Governors Island, New York. He served as the chief financial officer for the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves under the command of the 3rd U.S. Coast Guard District. Following his military career, Marino and his beloved wife, Mary, continued a life of service as house parents for developmentally challenged individuals. He later worked with Delaware House Catholic Charities, where he served the community as a driver. Marino enjoyed league bowling, playing Mahjong, cooking for family and friends, and traveling. He also loved visiting Costco—sometimes just to pass the time, enjoy a hot dog or slice of pizza, or, as he liked to joke later in life, to get his daily exercise. Family was at the center of Marino’s world. Deeply devoted, he always made sure to care for those he loved. In their later years, Marino and his son James cared for Mary during her prolonged illness and disability, remaining faithfully by her side with unwavering dedication. Marino was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Mary D. Ortega, in November of last year; as well as two sons, Raymond M. Ortega and Marino N. Ortega, Jr. He is survived by his daughter, Rose M. Owens and her husband Harold; his son, James E. Ortega; his brother, Jimeno Ortega; his grandchildren, Erin (Michael), Jenna (Garrett), Alyssa (Taylor), Violet, Amanda (Tim), and Marino N. Ortega III; and his great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Jameson, Aiden, and Connor. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends, both here and in the Philippines. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Perinchief Chapels, 438 High Street, Mount Holly, N.J. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., prior to the service. The committal service and military honors will follow at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Marino N. Ortega Sr.

October 11, 1930 - November 26, 2025