James Markino Jr.

James Markino, Jr., of Dover, passed away June 4, 2023, at Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital in Canton after a sudden health issue. He was three weeks shy of his 92nd birthday. He lived a full, good life.

Jim was born and raised in Malvern, married Mary Jane Tirabassi, who precedes him in death, in 1956, and moved to Dover in 1962 when they bought Chicken Manor in Strasburg. They owned and operated the restaurant, later named The Manor, for 27 years before retiring. In addition, he and a business partner were co-owners of M&M Market in Dover in the 1970s and 80s.

Because family was most important to him, he was happiest when his entire family was together. He supported his children and grandchildren in all of their activities. His family enjoyed his sense of humor and fondly remember stories about his early life: he was an altar server and would walk several miles to the church; he was raised in a bar since the age of 10 when his parents owned The West End Inn; he made $16/day in the brickyard; and he served in the US Navy, 1951-53.

Jim was actively involved in the founding of Tuscarawas Central Catholic High School (TCC) and was proud to have served on the Fundraising Committee. He was a longtime member of the TCC Booster Club and served many years as treasurer. He also helped establish the St. Joseph junior high booster club. 

During his working years, he kept active swimming laps at the old Moose, golfing with a Tuesday morning foursome, and bowling in a league. He continued to golf in retirement and one year won the Elks Senior Golf League (due mostly to his partner, a scratch golfer) and also sank a hole-in-one. During retirement, he and Mary Jane enjoyed many bus trips and going to the casino.

Over the last several years, he looked forward to his Tuesday and Friday card game at the Elks and Wednesday get-togethers at home in the garage where he enjoyed his Tiparillo cigar.

He was a huge sports fan, particularly Notre Dame, New York Yankees, and Pittsburgh Steelers and enjoyed watching them live and televised. Even if his favorite teams were not playing, he would still watch any sporting event that was broadcasted. He attended Super Bowl X when the Steelers beat the Cowboys and he and his wife, along with a group of friends, often traveled to attend ND football games.

He was also a news junkie. He read two local newspapers daily and was well informed about current events. He enjoyed watching TV programs about American history.

In addition to the Elks, he was a longtime member of the VFW and Strasburg American Legion.

He was very sociable and truly enjoyed being around people. Throughout his life he had a wide circle of friends of all ages. 

Jim is survived and will be greatly missed by his children Ann Marie (Mike) Davis, Lisa Grove, Cheryl Markino, Carol Markino, and Jim Markino; six grandchildren Nick (Nikki) Davis, Tony Davis, Jimmy (Amanda) Markino, Natalie (Adam) Hines, Danny Markino, and Erika Grove; and two great-grandchildren Sofia Davis and Jacob James Markino with another great-grandson expected in September. Other survivors are brother-in-law Jim (Dianne) Mastroine; sister-in-law Teresa Tirabassi; and several nieces and nephews, including Denny DiDente.

In addition to his wife who passed away in 2017, he is preceded in death by siblings Joey Markino, Nancy Kibler, Rose Wibberley, and Betty Cunningham; son-in-law Ken Grove; and in-laws Tony Tirabassi, Nellie Churilla, Pete Tirabassi, and Helen Farber.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at noon on Thursday, June 8, at St. Joseph Catholic Church (613 N. Tuscarawas Avenue, Dover, Ohio) with his grandson, Fr. Tony Davis officiating. To view the livestream, go to StJosephDover.org. Interment will be at St. Joseph Calvary Cemetery at Dover. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the Church.  The Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tuscarawas Central Catholic Jr/Sr. High School.