Kilwin’s: A Sweet Legacy of Love and Goodwill
The death of any member of the Fifth Avenue South Business Improvement District (BID) family is always hard, but the recent passing of Joe Marinaro has left a huge hole in all our hearts. Joe, who was 93, and his wife Sue, founded and operated Kilwin’s since 2003.
Joe was almost a daily fixture at the tables outside the shop, especially in his later years, where he would sit, read the paper, watch people stroll on Fifth Avenue South and enjoy Kilwin’s customers at nearby tables eating their amazing ice cream. His favorite, according to Sue, was to watch the kids lick their ice cream cones and have it stream down their faces and all over their clothes. Whether you were a local resident or tourist, Joe wanted everyone to enjoy this special experience.
Originally from Morristown, NJ, Joe and Sue were married for 43 years but inseparable for almost 50. In 1982, Joe balked at having a traditional wedding and suggested Las Vegas as an alternative nuptial destination. While dining at a restaurant on the Strip one evening, Joe turned to Sue and said, “Susie, do you really want to ruin a good thing?” Sue, frustrated by his vacillation, said, “It’s now or never.” So, off to they went to the “Little Chapel of the West.” As soon as Joe was told he could kiss the bride, he turned to Sue and said, “We’ve got to get to the Blackjack table; I feel lucky.” They didn’t even have time to get a wedding photo.
As luck would have it, Joe won big that night. It was so much money the couple rented a car, and went to California, and drove the full length of the Pacific Coast Highway. Their impromptu honeymoon lasted for three weeks before returning home. They had their first child, a daughter Jaime, in 1983. That same year, they vacationed on Marco Island, fell in love with Southwest Florida and bought a home here. Joe continued to commute to New Jersey, where he still ran a construction company. Over the next five years, they had two more children, another daughter Katy and a son Andrew. All attended Community School in Naples.
In 1988, Joe and Sue bought Misfits Marina on the Isles of Capri and opened the Tiki Bar, which they sold about six years later with the idea of retiring.
After realizing he could only play so much golf, Joe began looking for his next enterprise. The Marinaros always had season tickets to the Dolphins’ games. At one game, they sat near a guy with a backpack full of goodies. When Joe inquired where all that great stuff came from, the man said, “I own a Kilwin’s, you need to open one too.” Joe was intrigued. After all, while he wasn’t much for sweets, he did love ice cream…and so does everyone else.
The couple with the help of Kilwin’s CEO Don McCarty began looking for the perfect location on Fifth Avenue South, but nothing seemed to click, until the Wynn family put their Fifth Avenue grocery store on the market, subdividing it into several storefronts. The location, 743 Fifth Avenue South, was ideal, and a three-page lease was drawn, which is still operative today. “The Wynns have been the most fabulous landlord anyone can have. We are so blessed to still be with them today and have them as friends.”
Over the last 22 years, Kilwin’s has become a part of the Naples experience, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Sue says, “Joe loved being on Fifth Avenue. His hope was that it always keeps its main street feel, which is what makes it so special.”
Joe was also a veteran and received an incredible “sendoff” at his graveside service. Sue says, “He would have been so pleased to be recognized by the Navy honor guard, the playing of taps and the folding of the flag.”
Son Andrew will now officially take the reins of Kilwin’s, even though he has been serving in that role for several years now. Sue will continue her position as CFO, handling the books and other financial matters. As a certified professional pickleball referee, she says she’s also increasing her time on the courts.
Currently, the shop is closed for renovations, but Kilwin’s is expected to open again with a brand-new look this month. From chocolates to homemade fudge to caramel apples, brittle and popcorn to 32 flavors of ice cream and hand-rolled waffle cones, Kilwin’s has been and remains a beloved treasure on Fifth Avenue South. Joe leaves behind a wonderful family and a sweet and delicious legacy he created for all of us to enjoy.
In case you’re wondering, Joe’s favorite ice creams were Traverse City cherry and toasted coconut.
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