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At 87, Joe Marzano keeps foothold in shoe business
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Joe Marzano, of Youngstown's South Side, helps Myra McClain, of Canfield, try on a pair of shoes at Diorio Shoes in Poland on Wednesday afternoon.
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Diorio Shoes in Poland.
By Ashley Luthern
aluthern@vindy.com
POLAND
Sixty-four years ago, Joe Marzano thought he would be a chemical engineer.
But he left Youngstown College to serve in World War II.
When he returned, it wasn’t to an engineering career but rather one in shoes.
“I was just cut out to be a shoe man; I’m a good fitter,” said
Marzano, who works part time at Diorio Shoes on U.S. Route 224 in Poland.
He began at Kirby’s shoe store in Youngstown, becoming a manager, and later was
employed at Mooney’s shoe store. In 1977, Marzano became a certified pedorthist — a specialist in using footwear to correct foot problems.
Marzano “makes my job a lot easier, and if they have areas that need special attention, he can stretch shoes and address specific areas,” said Dr. William Diorio.
The podiatrist said before he opened the shoe store and hired Marzano, he sometimes had to send patients 60 or 70 miles away for specific shoes.
“Now it’s real simple: One mile from my office is the shoe store,” said Dr. Diorio.
Marzano said that even at 87, he does not want to retire. The avid Cleveland Browns and
Indians fan still mows his lawn, tends to his garden and trims the landscaping in front of his house on Youngstown’s South Side.
“I get a lot of pleasure from helping older people. It was like a challenge to me to help them in their condition. ... Older people relate to me because I’m old
myself,” he said.
Marzano attributes his energy and enthusiasm to his family including his wife of 61 years, Catherine, two sons and four grandchildren.
After treating foot problems for decades, Marzano advises customers to be sure that their “everyday shoe” laces up and is properly fitted, accounting for high arches or being flat-footed. Helping people figure out what they need has been Marzano’s favorite part of the job.
“Meeting the public has been the most rewarding thing,” he said. “I’ve been happy to learn a lot from people of all walks of life.”