Helen Marzinke

Helen Joan (“Joanie”) Marzinke, 78, mother of three, passed away peacefully on the evening of November 24th, 2021, surrounded by her loving and devoted family.  She was born in the Port Richmond neighborhood of Staten Island on August 15, 1943, the youngest of three children, to Umberto and Helen Giardino.  Joanie graduated from Port Richmond High School and Wilfred Academy.  She worked as a bookkeeper for Control Molding Corporation.  Joanie married Mathew Anthony Marzinke on October 16, 1976, and they raised their family in Annadale.

Joanie was a loving, attentive, and nurturing mother to her children, Mathew Anthony, Jr., Dr. Mark Albert, and Melissa Ann.  They were her everything, and she was their world.

Joanie was heavily involved in her parish, Our Lady Star of the Sea, having volunteered in multiple capacities over the years.  She found immense joy in playing cards with her family, listening to Elvis Presley, and watching the Cooking Channel.  Her gravy was the pride of her family, and they shared countless happy memories around the dinner table.

Joanie endured many illnesses during her life, but she did so with the strength and willpower that made her the rock of her family.  She also had a keen sense of humor and a quick wit, and she was a firecracker; no one ever had to wonder what Joanie thought because she would let them know.

She was predeceased by her parents, Umberto (1980) and Helen (1983) Giardino, sister Mary Vierno (2017), and niece, Stephanie Vierno (2013).  She is survived by her loving husband Mathew, Sr., her devoted children, Mathew, Jr. (Shannon), Mark (Eric), and Melissa, and her grandchildren Mathew III, Daniel, Imperial, and Luciana (who were the lights of her life).  She is also survived by her brother, Sebastian Giardino, and her nieces and nephews, Albert, Lucy, George (Lori Ann), Melanie, Billy, Brian, Kristin, and many great-nieces and nephews.

The funeral is from Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, 7447 Amboy Rd., on Monday, November 29th, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady Star of the Sea R.C. Church.  Interment is in Moravian Cemetery. Friends may visit Sunday, November 28th, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.