Welcome to Merrick United Methodist Church

Joyce Marino Corso, 84, of The Villages, FL, passed away on July 20, 2024. Born January 4, 1940,

on Long Island, New York, to Rocco and Gertrude Marino, Joyce grew up with her brother Roger

and sister Carol between Merrick and East Hampton, NY. She graduated from W.C. Mepham

High School (Bellmore, NY) in 1957 and later completed her Bachelor of Science degree from

the State University of New York in 1997.

Joyce attended and loved the Merrick United Methodist Church for most of her life. She was

very involved in church activities, taught Sunday School, and held many positions including

church operations and financial responsibilities. She was very instrumental in keeping the

church operational by renting the school building to a privately run K-6 grade school, which was

a big factor in the church’s financial success for over 30 years. Singing in the church choir since

she was a little girl was a joy she eventually shared with her husband, Ralph Corso. The stained

glass window in the rear of the church is dedicated to the memory of her father, Rocco Marino.

Even after she moved away from Merrick, Joyce continued to financially support the Merrick

United Methodist Church.

Joyce’s 45-year marriage to Ralph was filled with love, family, church, friends, golf, and travel,

and they eventually relocated to The Villages in 2005. Joyce and Ralph brought community with

them from New York, with several of their Merrick friends joining them in Florida, and

expanded that community with new friendships in their adopted neighborhood and the North

Lake Presbyterian Church. Joyce’s devotion to her faith led her to be elected Deacon at the

North Lake Presbyterian Church, a role she valued for allowing her to reach out to offer help

and fellowship to those in need. A longtime Ladies’ Circle leader, she loved organizing church

events, bringing people together, and welcoming newcomers to the church.

Joyce battled Parkinson’s Disease for almost 20 years but never let it slow her down. Until very

recently, she stayed active with golf, cycling, and even boxing. Some of her favorite pastimes

included jigsaw puzzles, mahjong and other games, reading, and dinners and evenings out with

friends. Above all else, Joyce treasured nothing more than her family. Beloved mother to Dean

Marino, Allyson Pahmer, John Pahmer, and Robert Corso; stepmother to Staci Edgerton and

Seth Corso; mother-in-law to Kathy Marino, Mike Edgerton, and Kendall Corso; grandmother to

Peter Medlin, Sarah Edgerton, David Medlin, Anna Marino, Lisa Marino, and Cole Edgerton; and

great-grandmother to Addison and Connor Medlin, her favorite times were lively family

gatherings with abundant food and laughter.

A viewing and visitation was held at Beyers Funeral Home in Lady Lake, FL, on Tuesday, July 23.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that friends and family consider a donation to the Michael J.

Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.