In Loving Memory of Joseph Marino – “Coach Joe” / @kungfujoemarino
June 19, 2025 | A Legacy of Strength, Service, and Spirit That Will Never Be Forgotten
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joseph Marino, affectionately known to many as Coach Joe or @kungfujoemarino. Joseph departed this world on Thursday, June 19, 2025, leaving behind not just a life well lived, but a legacy that inspired, empowered, and uplifted all who had the honor of knowing him.
Joseph was a man of many titles—coach, mentor, martial artist, veteran, teacher, brother, father figure, and friend—but perhaps none more defining than that of a servant leader. Through every chapter of his life, whether he was training young athletes, guiding troubled youth, leading community self-defense programs, or simply offering a kind word when it was needed most, Joe lived by a code of integrity, perseverance, and purpose.
Born and raised with strong values and a relentless drive to make a difference, Joe embraced martial arts not just as a discipline, but as a philosophy of life. Through his dojo, workshops, and community outreach, he instilled confidence, respect, and inner strength in thousands. His influence reached far beyond the walls of any gym—he believed that teaching someone how to fight was never about violence, but about empowerment, protection, and peace.
To the countless students who passed through his training sessions, Joe was more than an instructor. He was a safe harbor, a motivator, and a believer in every individual’s potential. His nickname, “Coach Joe,” was said with warmth and admiration, as he approached each person not only with high expectations but with boundless compassion.
Online, under the moniker @kungfujoemarino, Joe built a following of supporters drawn to his powerful insights, motivational posts, humorous takes on everyday life, and the occasional video of his lightning-fast hands and signature moves. But behind every clip or post was a message—self-betterment, kindness, and staying true to who you are.
Joe’s infectious laughter, booming voice, and unmistakable presence filled every room he entered. He had the rare ability to make you feel like the most important person in the world in a conversation. He remembered names, birthdays, hardships—and never failed to check in, offer guidance, or give a firm handshake and a bear hug.
His passing has left a deep void in the communities he served. Former students, friends, colleagues, and neighbors have flooded social media with tributes:
“Coach Joe changed my life when I was 15 and lost. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”
“I’ll never forget his laugh, his lessons, or his loyalty. He was a protector of people and a true warrior.”
“To be in Coach Joe’s presence was to be seen. To be valued. He never turned anyone away.”
Joseph is survived by a close-knit and loving family, including his siblings, nieces and nephews, and an extended family of students, mentees, fellow martial artists, and lifelong friends who carry forward his teachings with pride.
A celebration of life and memorial service will be held in the coming days, where community members will gather to honor the man who gave so much to so many. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to a martial arts scholarship fund being established in Joe’s memory—intended to provide training for underprivileged youth, a cause dear to his heart.
To the world, he may have been Coach Joe or @kungfujoemarino.
To us, he was a giant of a man, with a warrior’s spirit and a healer’s heart.
Though we mourn the loss of his physical presence, we take solace in knowing that his legacy lives on—in every student who stands taller, every individual who dares to believe in their worth, and every community he touched with his boundless heart.
Rest well, Coach. You taught us how to fight—but more importantly, how to live with honor.
#CoachJoeForever #KungFuJoe #LegacyOfStrength