Dan Marino Sr. Passes

The Pittsburgh Panthers nation is in mourning today.

Dan Marino Sr., the father of former University of Pittsburgh and Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino Jr., died today at his home in Weston, Fla. He was 71.

Dan Marino Jr. told Pittsburgh graduates at this year's commencement ceremony that his father told him how to throw a football with a quick release and also taught him that success can be achieved through hard work, passion, integrity and most important, family.

"Dan Marino Sr. not only taught his son the finer points of football, but also the finer points of life,'' Pitt chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg said. "Dan Jr. readily credited his father with teaching him the throwing motion that led to a Hall of Fame career — along with the more lasting lessons of hard work, discipline and integrity. The University of Pittsburgh conveys its deepest sympathies to the Marino family during their time of loss.''

Dan Marino Jr., a Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback, played for Central Catholic High School in Oakland prior to moving across town to the University of Pittsburgh. He grew up in Oakland on Parkview Avenue, where his parents lived until his father retired in 1993 as a Post-Gazette truck driver who delivered newspapers. The couple then relocated to Weston, Fla.

"The thoughts of everyone in the entire Pitt Athletic Department are with the Marino family today,'' Pitt athletics director Steve Pederson said. "Mr. Marino shared his greatest treasure with this University, his family. His legacy lies in the great children and grandchildren he left behind.''

According to the Post-Gazette: In Florida, a mass of Christian burial for Mr. Marino will be held at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Davie, Fla. Tuesday at 10 a.m. In Pittsburgh, visitation will be held at the John N. Elachko Funeral Home on Dawson Street in Oakland Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Regis Church on Parkview Avenue in Oakland Friday at 9:30 a.m., followed by burial at Cavalry Cemetery on Hazelwood Avenue.