Marino siblings
top from left:
Carolyn, Rose, Betty, Marie
Tony in center
The Kirks Star in “Life Trek”
by Cate Murway
“Sometimes a feeling is all we humans have to go on.” ‘Star Trek’ Space Philosopher Captain Kirk
Happy diamond wedding anniversary......
April 29th was a very, very special occasion for the Kirk family!
Congratulations to Francis Thomas “Pat” and Rose Marie [Marino] Kirk who celebrated their Diamond 60th wedding anniversary!
They were married by the Reverend Father Peter Pinci, O.S.S.T., pastor of Saint Ann Church in Bristol, PA on April 29, 1956. Their rings were purchased at Mignoni’s Jewelry and Gift Shop.
“They are a true example of all that a marriage is ‘for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health’. We are all so blessed and fortunate to have the gift of these two very special people in our lives and to have this wonderful milestone. They have always been very good to us. They always have been there for us and our children,” daughter, Karen Jesionowski shared.
Pat Kirk believes that his parents, Francis Charles, Jr. a foreman at the textile mill of E.W. Twitchell, Inc. in Philadelphia, and Bristol born, Margaret Bernadette [Hoffman] Kirk most likely met at a dance. He is an only child while Rose is the youngest of seven.
Her mother, Rose [Cuccarese] was also born in Bristol and her father, Italian born James Marino, who came to the USA in 1917, worked for "Pennsy," the PRR, maintaining and repairing damaged rail ties. Rose lost her dad following a heart attack in 1936 when was she was only two years.
Her siblings were the late Frank [owned Frank’s Shop n’Bag]; Nicholas [owned Farragut Travel Agency]; Carolyn Elizabeth Mignoni [owned and operated Mignoni Jewelry and Gifts for 60 years] and Marie Ungarini [owned and operated Marino's Maple House in Seaside Heights, N.J., for almost 35 years], and Anthony, the former Bristol Lions President. Her sister, Betty O’Brien still resides on Dorrance Street and conscientiously works the Borough voting polls.
Pat grew up on Buckley Street and the Marino family resided on Dorrance Street.
Times were tough and families were tight.
“Hang on tight and survive. Everybody does.” ‘Star Trek’ Captain Kirk
Pat remembers food rationing and using a government issued food stamp book during the war.
Rose shared, “A. Lanza & Sons Bakery was very good to us.” She recalls the phone company being located on Mill Street. “I remembered I walked there to pay our phone bill to Mrs. Pope.”
Pat piped in, “The Atlantic Ice Manufacturing Company was down the street from us [on New Buckley]. I would walk down and bring the ice back on a wagon.” Rose interjected, “You could buy a dime’s worth, or a quarter.”
Elwood R. and Margaret Dyer’s Dairy and Bond Bread delivered fresh products to their homes. “Joe Schwartz delivered vegetables and the fish man sold us fish and we had knife sharpener people. We even had a bleach lady who would bring the bleach to our house.”
As a youth, Pat participated in many street sports like football and basketball. “Guys just got together and played baseball and most of our games were in Memorial field. The big thing was watching boxing at St. Ann’s Athletic Club.”
He camped near Neshaminy Creek with the Boy Scouts and played the accordion. “I belonged to the Lower Bucks County String Band. My father bought me an accordion for a Christmas present.”
They recalled seeing Senator Joseph R. Grundy when he made his visits to the St. Mark School.
“He would wave to us!”
At one time, Rose prepared meals for Mrs. Spring whose husband was Louis Spring, Senator Grundy’s “first mate, his right hand man.”
The home Rose was raised in was formerly the home of Senator Grundy’s cousin, and Pat’s grandfather, Francis C. Kirk, Sr. was the night watchman at the Grundy Mill.
Pat and Rose met at the old Bristol Theatre. The start of their courtship began when they were 16 and 17 years old. “We met each other at the movies. We used to go there on Saturdays to see the serials” and a mutual friend, Joseph Licari introduced them.
Notoriously, “the Irish and the Italians were not real friendly at that time” but fortunately for them, their families were ok with it.
After graduating, they kept their dating literally ‘on track’. At one time, they traveled by train together so often, the conductor would tell Pat what car Rose was riding in, if it were she who had boarded first.
Pat graduated from Northeast Catholic HS in 1953 and continued his education at Trenton Technical School for mechanical drafting. He found that the pay would not support a family so he secured employment at Paterson Parchment Paper Company, once the nation's largest single manufacturing plant devoted exclusively to producing vegetable parchment paper, from 1953-1975.
“It was a good job. I liked it.”
He then delivered health and beauty aids to Rite Aid for Comet Sales before he assumed the maintenance/custodial job at St. Ann School until its closure in 2009.
His late brother-in-law Anthony suggested that he assume the Grundy Library crossing guard position.
“I’m there from 2:30-5:30pm, for the school kids mainly.”
Rose had furthered her education at the Marinello Beauty School before finding work in Joan’s [Rago] Shop until Joan closed her store. She continued to make everyone look her best in Pomeroy’s Beauty Salon for several years before her own ‘Rose Kirk Beauty Salon’ took up a front room in their home.
The couple quickly became a family and they had purchased their own home on Dorrance Street in 1961.Their twins, Patrick Aloysius and Richard Vincent were a surprise, followed by James Francis. Their sons all graduated from Marist Prep High School, the twins in 1975 and Jim in 1977. Their daughters, Rose Margaret Dunnegan [named for her grandmother], is a Villa Joseph Marie ‘88 graduate and Karen Ann Jesionowski graduated from VJM in 1991.
Rose had retired from hairdressing to dedicate herself to her family.
When the children were grown, Rose began working again, in the Bensalem area in the Head Start childcare programs for two years before she began teaching at the Harriman Methodist Christian Day School.
Has your home town changed?
“Mill Street used to be like Philadelphia. We had a 5&10, Edward’s Shop, Moffo’s Shoe Store across from Ballow’s, an A&P; everything was within walking distance. We didn’t even need a car.”
Pat’s first vehicle was the one he bought from his Aunt Ethel for $50.00, a black 1941 Plymouth 3-seater coupe. “They don’t make them anymore. Sometimes you can see them in a car show.”
Their first new car purchase was a dark green 1992 Buick Century.
“We chose it together. We do everything together. We still do.”
Pat added, “The town has become more modern; a lot of changes. Mrs. Wilkinson, the librarian, was real strict when the library was where the parking lot is now. The old library was dark and musty.”
“I read the books about the Saints,” Rose shared.
“I read comic books”, Pat said. He enjoys James Brendan Patterson’s thrilling novels now, the author who holds the Guinness World Record for the most #1 New York Times bestsellers.
Tony Bennett’s “Because of You” was their wedding song and is still their favorite.
“Because of you, there’s a song in my heart. Because of you, my romance had its start…”
Memories…. pressed between the pages ….
Most memorable was “having our children”, they said in unison.
“We lived a good life. We’re still living a good life.”
“Love sometimes expresses itself in sacrifice.” ‘Star Trek’ Captain Kirk
Recommend a “Spotlight”. E-mail vjmrun@yahoo.com
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Rose Kirk
February 28, 1935 - June 24, 2024
Rose Kirk (nee Marino), age 89, of Bristol, PA passed away peacefully on Monday, June 24, 2024 after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her beloved family with her husband of 68 years, Pat, by her side.
Born in Bristol on February 28, 1935 to James and Rose Marino, Rose was the youngest of seven children. She attended St. Ann Grade School and afterwards completed the St. Ann Commercial High School Course. She later became a beautician after graduating in 1953 from the Marinella School of Beauty Culture, Philadelphia, PA. Rose first worked at Pomeroy's Beauty Salon in Levittown, PA, Eventually, she opened her own salon, converting the front parlor of her and Pat's home on Dorrance Street, and created a successful business that she operated for many years. After raising her family, Rose found joy in working with children as a nursery school teacher at Harriman Christian Day School. She later enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren, as well as many homebound, sick, and elderly family and friends.
In 1951 when she was sixteen years old, Rose met a quiet Irishman named Francis, who went by the favorite Irish name "Pat." At that time an Irishman marrying an Italian was a big deal in the Bristol community, but Rose and Pat did not let that dissuade them. Their courtship was five years, and they married on April 29,1956 at St. Ann Church in Bristol. Their union spanned 68 years of marriage, and their young love turned into a beautiful example of a formidable marriage, withstanding the true test of time.
Starting a family became Rose's priority. She and Pat welcomed a surprise set of twins a year after they were married, then another boy, and eventually two girls that completed their family. During those early years, Rose was a busy homemaker working alongside Pat to raise the children and maintain their home. Dorrance Street was a busy place with her sisters, Betty and Marie, living a few doors away, her brother Anthony around the corner, and all her cousins in and out of the houses, with St. Ann Church standing in the shadow of so many important and special family milestones. She created many traditions and memories, such as Sunday morning Mancuso donuts and coffee and dinners of homemade gravy and meatballs. Forever ready to entertain, Rose made sure there was always a cake in the oven or an Entenmann's coffee cake in the refrigerator just in case there would be company. When the almost nightly knock at the door came, Rose was ready, a pot of coffee percolating on top of the stove and a warm smile to greet her guests.
For Rose, nothing was more precious to her than time with her family. She basked in the lives of her children and found pure delight in all her grandchildren. She was at her happiest with a full house and company around the table. She made the best chicken cutlets, and her famous cream puffs will be remembered forever (if you know, you know). She loved to sit on the porch of Dorrance Street home every night, which more often than not turned into a spontaneous gathering of family, friends and neighbors coming together to talk about all the town happenings and latest Bristol gossip. It was always a bonus when her sister Carolyn pulled up to join them from Pine Grove Street. There was usually some fried dough, jello cake and coffee that she had whipped up that day and was ready to share. Rose also enjoyed taking trips with Pat to Jim Thorpe, Williamsburg, and Gettysburg, visiting their children and grandchildren in college, and later traveling to see those who settled at a distance. Those who remained in the local Bristol area were treated with her continual presence. Her many nieces and nephews saw Rose as their second mom, and there was nothing "Aunt Rose" couldn't do. She became a guiding light to them over the years. With Pat, Rose truly built a home full of love, family, comfort and peace.
Rose loved her little town of Bristol, serving the community well. For over 40 years, she served as an Election Inspector for each primary and general election season in the Borough. She also coordinated the Historic Bristol Day Bakery for many years, and, with her family and friends by her side, she organized and ran the annual pizza fritta booth at the Italian Festival. She also fundraised for the March of Dimes; a cause close to her heart.
Paramount to everything else was Rose's strong devotion to her Catholic faith and her lifelong dedication to St. Ann Church. Her grandfather laid the first stones that built the church, and its Italian roots were reflective of her heritage and beliefs. As a volunteer for many years, she chaired the first carnival for the parish, was president of the Miraculous Medal Society, chaired the annual Catholic Charities drive and treasurer of the St. Ann Home and School Association for the parish school, prepared Confirmation dinners for the Bishop, managed many ordination receptions, and coordinated many other fundraisers, including weekly Bingo nights and her famous monthly bus trips to Atlantic City. She will be remembered as a true pillar of the parish. More importantly, the beautiful example of her faith was an inspiration to all. She had a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother, praying the rosary daily, as well as a devotion to St. Ann, the mother of Mary. She dedicated every summer to coordinating the annual St. Ann Novena and took great pride in rallying all the ladies to take care of each and every task. In her later years, Rose developed multiple eye diseases and became devoted to St. Lucy, patron saint for the blind. Her faith was unwavering and carried her through many storms, and she was a true testament of a faith-filled, godly woman, serving others through gentleness, compassion and love.
In addition to her parents, Rose is predeceased by her brothers Frank Marino (Anna), Nicholas Marino (Angelina), Anthony Marino, and her sisters Carolyn Mignoni (Carmen), Marie Ungarini (Harry) and Elizabeth "Betty" O'Brien (Joe). In addition she is predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law Francis and Margaret Hoffman Kirk.
She will be forever missed by Pat and her loving children, spouses, and families who will ensure her memory and traditions live: Patrick (Karen), Richard (Isabel), James (Susan), Rose (Harold) and Karen (Eric); grandchildren Shannon, Kaylin (Ben), Sean (Megan), Michael (Hayley), Erin, Ashley, Allison, John (Desirae), Jay (Elizabeth), Corey and Branden; great-grandchildren Arayah, Samuel, Isaiah, Aidan, Conor, and Liam; sister in law Roberta Marino; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation to be held at St. Ann Church on Monday, July 1, 2024 from 4pm to 7pm and again on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 from 9am to 10:30am with a mass of Christian Burial at 11am. Interment immediately follows at St. Mark Cemetery, Bristol, PA.
A rosary will be recited at 7pm on Monday evening at the close of the Visitation. All are invited to participate.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Rose's memory may be sent to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia or to the Bucks County Association for the Blind.
Rose's absence leaves a great void that will never be filled. But by her example, we lean on our faith in knowing that she has received her greatest reward in Heaven. We take comfort and can even smile imagining the amazing reunion that took place as Rose was greeted with the open arms of all her loved ones.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in the eternal light and peace of Christ.
Arrangements are under the care of Galzerano Funeral Home, Bristol, PA.
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Elizabeth F. “Betty” Marino O'Brien
Birth: 25 Jul 1931 / Death: 28 Oct 2022 (aged 91)
Burial ; Saint Mark Cemetery
Bristol, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, USA
Elizabeth F. "Betty" O'Brien (nee: Marino) of Bristol, PA passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, October 28, 2022, at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Mainland Campus in Pomona, NJ. She was 91.
Born and raised in Bristol, Betty has been a lifelong parishioner of St. Ann Church as well as a member of their Holy Name Society. Betty worked for many years for Oxford Valley Cardiology before retiring. Although she loved spending her free time watching the Hallmark Channel, the Game Show Network and General Hospital, she truly cherished time spent with her family and friends who she loved more than anything. In her later years, she traveled frequently between Florida, New Jersey and Pennsylvania to stay with her children where she enjoyed many casino trips to Atlantic City and Parx, playing bingo and visiting Disney World. At age 91, Betty was no stranger to technology and she kept in constant contact with her many friends and family through Facebook and would routinely video chat using Facetime.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Joseph T. O'Brien, parents James and Rose Marino, mother-in-law Anne C. O'Brien and her siblings Frank Marino (Anna), Nicholas Marino (Angie), Carolyn Mignoni (Carmen), Marie Ungarini (Harry), Anthony Marino, brother in laws John F.X. O'Brien, and Thomas Muth.
Betty will be greatly missed by her children Joanne Lipsky (Steve), Joseph O'Brien (Christina), Sharon Weick (Rich), Maureen Allen (Bill), and Alyssa O'Brien (Sean); grandchildren Michele, Kimberly (Nick), Kelly (Omar), Robert, Lindsay (Pete), Kirsten (Garrett), Kyle (Erika), and Nicholas (Morgan); great grandchildren Nate, Harper, Emilia, Miles, Nathan, RJ, and Nevan; her sister Rose Kirk (Pat); sister in laws Roberta Marino, Anne Muth, and Marlene O'Brien and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Family and friends are invited to gather Wednesday, November 2, 2022, from 6 - 8 pm and Thursday morning from 10 – 11 am at St Ann Church, 357 Dorrance Street, Bristol, PA 19007. Funeral Mass will begin at 11 am. Interment will follow at St Mark Cemetery.
