Nicholas Marinaro

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Nicholas Marinaro

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

Nicholas MARINARO, one of the enterprising and successful citizens of Morristown, well known for his progressive methods of conducting his business, and an active factor in many of the improvements in his section of the city, is a native born son of Italy, his birth occurring in Bounalbergo, Province of Beneventi, October 3, 1866, son of Ralph and Maria (FOOTTA) MARINARO, also natives of Italy, where they spent their entire lives, respected and esteemed by all their friends and neighbors.

Nicholas MARINARO was reared to manhood in his native land, attending the common schools until twelve years of age, when he left his home with the object of earning his own livelihood, going at once to Rome where he served an apprenticeship at the trade of mason, the line of work followed by his father, his remuneration being twenty cents per day, and after thus serving for four years he engaged in business on his own account, at the early age of sixteen years, as contractor in the mason trade. Upon attaining his majority he left Rome, and after spending one month at the home of his parents, left his native land for the united States, with the small capital of $2.00 in his pockets after purchasing his ticket, and upon his arrival settled in New York City and there spent two years working at his trade. He then removed to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he remained three years, also working at his trade, and then returned to New York City. Shortly afterward he secured employment on the new part of the New Jersey State Asylum located at Morris Plains, his work on this covering a period of four months, and subsequently he took up his residence in Morristown, having by this time accumulated $300.00 by dint of hard work, perseverance, and thrift, the latter named traits being characteristic of the race from which he sprung. With his savings he purchased a lot at No. 4 Anderson street, whereon he erected a dwelling house in which he has since resided, making this a comfortable home for his family, to whom is devoted, doing all in his power to contribute to their welfare and to give them some of the pleasures of life. From time to time he purchased more land, which he developed and erected houses on, disposing of the same at advantageous prices, and at the present time (1913) is the owner of large amounts of real estate in Morristown, the same being estimated at upwards of $300,000. He has erected about 150 houses, a number of schools and the Palace Theatre, all of which are noted for their architectural beauty and their stability. He was the organizer of the Italian settlement in Morristown, erecting the first building in that section, and was a pioneer in laying concrete sidewalks in Morristown, and he was awarded the contract for the work on Pocahontas Lake, this having added greatly to the appearance of that famous resort. He was the organizer and is serving in the capacity of president of the Morris County Realty & Construction Company, and also organized a company in Newark, New Jersey, serving as one of the official board. Hi is a member of the First Presbyterian church of Morristown, and is ever ready and willing to contribute of his time and funds for the improvement of the community in which he resides and its inmates.

Mr. MARINARO married, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Anna FIRINA, a native of Italy. They were the parents of several children, all of whom are deceased.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)