Ralph Marino, Jr.

Ralph Marino Jr. of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was born September 7, 1938 in New Orleans and passed away Sunday February 16, 2020, at the age of 81 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Ralph spent his earliest years in the farmlands of St. Rose and then moved to Kenner, Louisiana, attending Kenner High School and then East Jefferson High School where he became a lover of history and excelled at sports. He continued his education at the Southwestern Louisiana Institute (University of Louisiana at Lafayette) in Lafayette, Louisiana. Studying art and advertising, he was the first in his family to attend college. His distinguished career included work as a conceptual artist for NASA/Boeing Aerospace for the Saturn V moon launch program. He was honored to contribute a small part to one of the greatest feats of mankind. In 1966, he married the love of his life, Jeanette Blouin, to whom he was married for 53 years. Ralph and Jeanette raised three children in Metairie, Louisiana while he developed his successful career in advertising and marketing.  Ralph worked for Peter Mayer Advertising in New Orleans, serving as Executive Vice President.  With dedication and an incredible sense of humor, he fostered long lasting relationships with colleagues and clients. He continued his career in marketing with Trappey’s Fine Foods in New Iberia and Cort Furniture in Jefferson, Louisiana. Ralph loved the city of New Orleans, especially its culinary treasures. His lunch routine with colleagues included an endless search for the best fried oyster (and roast beef) po-boy. And no doubt, Ralph’s all time favorite dish was crab meat au gratin at the famed Bon Ton Café. Upon retirement, to be closer to family, Ralph and Jeanette relocated to Baton Rouge where he continued to read history, paint, and attend classes through OLLI at LSU Baton Rouge. He was always available to lend an artist’s eye or roll up his sleeves to assist the ambitious projects of friends and family. On the weekends, Ralph and Jeanette could be seen dancing at the Cajun and French Music Association dances through which he served as an officer.  His greatest achievement was his beloved family. Ralph is survived by his wife Jeanette, his children Michelle Marino, Monique Marino (Adrian Bourgeois), and Ralph Marino III (Tracy Rauch), brother Martin Marino, sister Antoinette Marino, and his grandchildren Madeleine Bourgeois, and Gabriella Bourgeois. He is preceded in death by his parents Ralph Marino Sr. and Josephine Bonura Marino, and his sister Mary Marino.  Visiting hours will take place at Resthaven Funeral Home in Baton Rouge, Thursday, February 20 from 10 a.m. until services at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Ralph’s name.