Frank Marini

Marini Plaza
North Beach

Frank Marini (1862-1952) is mentioned often in Alessandro Baccari’s book, “Saints Peter and Paul: ‘The Italian Cathedral’ of the West, 1884-1984.” Marini was a major civic benefactor, participating in the work of the Salesian groups at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul. He was a sponsor of the boys’ club, to help troubled immigrant boys who had little English speaking ability, education or guidance. He was a fundraiser to pay off the debt for building the church and Salesian school. He gave the money to build a gymnasium at St. Francis Church, on Vallejo Street, for the church-sponsored basketball teams.

This statue that stands in a park bearing his name .  According to the Smithsonian the artist was Gladys Nevada Guillici (1862-1952).  The statue was dedicated in 1954.

The plaque reads:

“Frank Marini
1862-1952
Benefactor
A Founder Of The San Francisco Parlor No. 49,
Native Sons Of The Golden West.”