Habilitat director Victoria Marino, dead at 62

By Kelly Yamanouchi
Advertiser Staff Writer

Victoria Marino, executive director of the Habilitat residential drug treatment center, died Thursday at her home in Kane-

'ohe after a long fight against cancer. She was 62.

Marino played a leading role in the organization since its founding in 1971 by her husband, Vincent "Vinny," who started Habilitat out of a Kailua home with seven residents. Today there are more than 100 residents at Habilitat's Kane'ohe location.

Marino became Habilitat's executive director after her husband died in Jan. 2000.

She took a hands-on approach in overseeing the program and cooked Italian feasts for the program's residents during the holidays. Marino was recognized in the 2001 Who's Who listing for her achievements in the substance abuse rehabilitation industry.

"Her life was devoted to Habilitat," said Joe Duavit, family spokesman and a former Habilitat resident.

Marino was born in New York City. She moved to Hawai'i with her husband in 1970.

She was a very private and devout woman and went to church nearly every day.

She started Habilitat's Christmas tree distribution program 29 years ago to raise money for scholarships for residents. The program will continue, and Habilitat will start distributing this year's trees today.

Danny Katada, Habilitat's area director, will take on the responsibilities of running Habilitat, Duavit said.

Marino is survived by brothers Frank, Louis and Joseph; sisters Annette and Rita; daughters Lila and Victoria; and granddaughter Alicia.

Services are pending.