Inwood native Marie Caronia dies at 84

To her family and friends, Marie Caronia was an iconic figure in the Inwood community.

The lifelong Inwood resident Caronia died on March 28 from the coronavirus, she was 84.

Born one day after Christmas in 1935, Caronia served her home community by working at the Five Towns Community Center for the majority of her life. She began her career at the Community Center in 1968 in what was known at the time as the Trade School. Caronia worked with the center’s Before and After School program for elementary school children for roughly 50 years.

Caronia’s daughter, Sharyn Dalone, discussed the impact her mother had on the Community Center “During her long tenure at the Community Center, my mother touched the lives of many families and made a tremendous impact on the fabric of our community,” Dalone said. “She worked with multiple generations of people and became an iconic figure within our community, being recognized by grandparents, parents and children that she had worked with over the years.”

Former Inwood residents shared their memories of Caronia. Angela Giovanniello said that Caronia was influential. “Marie’s dedication and hard work in our community will never be forgotten,” Giovanniello said. “Her beautiful spirit blessed the Five Towns Community Center in so many ways. We were so lucky to have her for so many years.”

Five Towns Community Center executive director Brent Hill shared his thoughts on Caronia. “She will forever be a part of our family at the Five Towns Community Center,” he said. “Our legacy of supporting families with quality care for their children will continue in her memory.”

Caronia is survived by her three children: Susan M. Martillotti, Sharyn M. Dalone and Phillip A. Caronia and three grandchildren: Thomas and Jill Martillotti, Anthony Caronia and Katrina Caronia. She is predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Ralph, in 2004.

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