Our Story

The John J Invitational golf tournament was established in September of 2017, with only 24 participants, the annual charity event has blossomed into a great tradition, with a full field of participants and over a dozen loyal sponsors.

John J Marino was a son, brother, father and papa. In 2008 John was diagnosed with Sarcoma of the kidneys a very rare form of cancer, which is usually treated with surgery and chemotherapy. Sarcoma commonly comes back in the kidney area or spreads to other parts of the body.  Our father had surgery in early December 2008, to remove his kidney and clear his body of cancer.  Unfortunately, he lost his battle with cancer only a few weeks later.

The John J Invitational was created by Eric Marino and Heather Langan, John’s son and daughter, to honor and remember his beautiful life.  John’s love for the game was strong, he spent a great deal of time playing golf, with his family and friends, creating memories that would last a lifetime.  Eric and Heather thought what better way to keep his legacy alive than to partner with the Wilmot Cancer Institute and Strong Memorial Hospital where John had his surgery and was treated wonderfully as he battled.  All proceeds go to Cancer research, in hopes that one day no individual or family will have to experience the battle against cancer. 

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