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Meet the NFSB Board of Trustees: Gary Marino
As Branch Manager and Vice President of Mortgage Lending for Rate just a few doors down from Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB), Gary Marino meets people who are moving to the Nutley area on a regular basis. This creates ongoing opportunities to fulfill one of his primary goals as a member of the NFSB Board of Trustees – to increase awareness of the important services NFSB provides.
“We have a great group of volunteers and generous donors, and we help so many people in the community,” said Gary, who has been working in the mortgage industry for more than 25 years and joined the NFSB board in 2023. “I’d love to connect with more people who can impact our mission and, more importantly, make sure more people who need our services are aware that we’re here to help.”
Gary is a lifelong Nutley resident with deep ties to the community. He recalls visiting the NFSB Thrift Shop as a child, not because thrifting was “cool,” but because his family could buy secondhand items at an affordable price. He also remembers visiting former Board President and Lifetime Trustee Ruth Bedford, a close family friend, on her 100 birthday and listening to stories from her remarkable life.
Gary lives in Nutley with his wife, Rosie, an educator in Bellville and past member of the NFSB Board of Trustees. After volunteering during Rosie’s tenure, Gary is happy to follow in her footsteps and serve the community he has always called home.
Gary is a member of the Nutley Chamber of Commerce and has hosted and volunteered for various events throughout the year. He also served on the Nutley Zoning Board of Adjustments for nine years.
“You don’t make a lot of friends on the zoning board,” Gary recalls with a laugh. “No matter what decision you make, not everyone will be happy, whether a homeowner wants to install a fence or put in a pool, or someone wants approval for an apartment building. You just try to do what’s fair and what’s best for the community.”
Gary serves on the NFSB Development and Public Relations Committee and is co-chair of this year’s Garden Party. He has been involved with every Garden Party since the event’s inception and is still awestruck every time he visits Mountsier-Hardie Garden.
“You have no idea how impressive it is until you see it in person,” Gary said. “Seeing the reaction of people who visit for the first time is just amazing, and I know it brings a lot of joy to Silas Mountsier and Graeme Hardie to open their garden to new people. Everyone is welcome, and it’s a wonderful way to showcase the organization.”
Gary is excited to bring more people to the Garden Party and all NFSB events, including Casino Night, Rock Hunger, and the Harvesting Hope Gala. He sees tremendous potential in welcoming the next generation of philanthropic leaders to NFSB.
“I love looking for ways to get younger people involved and show them the importance of service,” Gary said. “The more we can do that, the more sustainable the organization’s programs will be in the future, and the more people we’ll be able to help.”
