Longtime West Islip resident Armand Marano died September 7, 2006. He was 88 years old.

Born in New York City, he moved to Trues Drive in West Islip in 1969 and lived there with his family for about 25 years before relocating to Ft. Myers, Florida. He returned to West Islip two-and-a-half years ago to live with his daughter, Mary Lou Gartland.

For many years he worked as a salesman all over Long Island, selling flooring and carpeting. In his spare time he was a gifted woodworker and an avid photographer.

Mr. Marano leaves behind his children: Nina Visone and her husband Joe, Mary Lou Gartland and her husband William, Carrie and Christine Singer and her husband Neil; his grandchildren: Nina Marie and her husband Scott, Loreen, Michelle and her husband Steven, Billy and his wife Melissa, Nicole, Alex and Stevie; his great grandchildren:R yan, Lainey, Jamie, Payton and Braydon; his brother: Angelo; as well as other loved ones and friends. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Ann; and his brothers: Louis, Anthony and Thomas.

He reposed at the Frederick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home, West Islip, on September 9 and 10, 2006. A Celebration of the Liturgy of Christian Burial was held September 10, 2006 at St. Joseph's R.C. Church, Babylon followed by interment in St. Charles Cemetery, Farmingdale.