Obituary of Ardelio A. Marin

Ardelio Marin of Lyndhurst, New Jersey, died peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Saturday, December 12, 2020-just 23 days shy of his 92^nd birthday- with family members at his side.

“Yeyo”, as he was known to his family, was born in Las Villas, Cuba, 3^rd youngest of 16 children born to Anselmo & Victorina Marin.  As a young boy, he helped out in the family farm; and as a teen, went to Havana to work at the pharmacy of a family friend. At age 24, he became co-owner of a pharmaceutical wholesale distributorship.  He met his wife delivering supplies to Andres De La Flor Pharmacy, where she worked as a Pharmacist.  He married Ada in 1957, and had 4 daughters in Cuba.

At age 39, due to the tyranny of Communism, he and his family left Cuba and immigrated to the United States. He left everything he worked for behind, and arrived with nothing- but sacrificed everything -to make a better life for his family.  In the first year in the U.S., 1968-1969, he worked as a baker and textile worker, then worked for four years at Zenith Labs, a generic pharmaceuticals company.  Within 2 years of being in the U.S., he was able to buy our first home in West New York, New Jersey, where his only son was born.

Ardelio and Ada bought a pharmacy in Washington Heights, New York in 1973, and worked there until they retired in 1995.  They and their pharmacy were so loved in the neighborhood that the MARIN PHARMACY name has remained to this day.  Ardelio & Ada bought their second home in North Bergen, NJ in 1976, and lived there for 24 years; moving to Lyndhurst, NJ in 2000. 

In retirement, Ardelio, the family cook, continued making delicious meals, always ready to feed family and friends, and offer all a cup of “café Cubano”.  He also became an avid gardener, growing beautiful roses, and vegetables-which he used to make his famous chicken noodle soup.  He was loved by his siblings, nieces,  nephews, and friends, with whom he was gracious and generous. And he was adored by his family: a constant in their lives, giving, loving, and to quote his niece Madeline, “superlative”.

Ardelio (known as “Papi” to his children and grandchildren) was preceded in death by his son Alex.  He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ada; and 4 daughters and their spouses/partners: Ana (Arthur), Ada (Linda), Alina (Julius), & Alicia (Bob); 8 grandchildren: Dan (Ilene), Alana, Alissa (Rafael), Stephanie (Brian), Anthony (Christine), Andrew, Christina, & Caroline; 3 Great Grandchildren: Ivy, Alex, & Athena; 3 sisters, Elia, Adelina, and Teresa; and too many nieces and nephews to name.We will truly miss this wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, brother, Godfather, and friend-- who was loved by so many; and will be loved-always.

Funeral arrangements are private and held under the direction of Nazare Memorial Home, Inc., 403 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst.  Please express your condolences to Ardelio's family by using our Tribute Wall.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made, in his memory (and that of his son, Alex Marin), to The Bosco Fund, Don Bosco Preparatory High School, Office of Advancement, 492 North Franklin Turnpike, Ramsey, N.J. 07446. (Please write “In memory of Ardelio Marin, father of Alex F. Marin, Class of 1988”).