Longtime CUAA music professor and Boar’s Head Festival founder leaves lasting legacy.
Concordia University Ann Arbor mourns the passing of Professor Emeritus Quentin Marino, who faithfully served the university for more than 25 years as professor of instrumental music and band director. Marino entered eternal rest on Oct. 12, 2025, at age 93, just 12 days after the passing of his wife of 70 years, Carol.
Marino joined the Concordia faculty in the late 1960s and served as professor of instrumental music and band director until his retirement in 1994. Known for his energy, joy for teaching and love of music, he influenced generations of students through his classroom instruction, performances and summer band camps. In 1978, he joined Dr. Paul Foelber and John Sturmfels as one of three professors who brought the Boar’s Head Festival to Concordia Ann Arbor.
In searching through CUAA archives, photos emerged along with stories written about this beloved professor. One of his quotes was, “Anything worth having is worth working for.” His calling from God led him to maintaining a good band with high spirit.
“Quentin Marino had a true heart for the mission and ministry of CUAA,” said Dr. John Boonenberg, DMA, Kreft Endowed Chair in Music and director of the Healthcare & Humanities Lab. “He inspired not only music students but all who were fortunate enough to experience his vibrant, dynamic teaching.”
Boonenberg continued, “His unwavering support of CUAA over the years was felt by all of us, and his legacy will live on through the thousands of alumni he mentored and loved.”
Beyond campus
Marino was a devoted member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, where he participated in choir, church productions and Bible studies. Even in retirement, he continued to share his musical gifts and enthusiasm for life with family and friends.
Marino earned a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Montana in 1954 and a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska in 1961. Before coming to Ann Arbor, he served as music director at Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Nebraska. During his time in Nebraska, he and his wife welcomed three sons—Michael, Jan and Tony. In 1967, he came to CUAA.
A celebration of life for Marino and his wife will be held at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor at 11 a.m. on Jan. 17, 2026.
Read his full obituary here.
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