Marie and Joe Canarelli are lifelong residents of Union, NJ. Both retired from the Township of Union Public Schools after 40 years of service. Marie graduated from Seton Hall University (BS) and St. Peter's University (MA), and Joe from Jersey City State (BA) and Kean University (MA). During their teaching careers, they were very involved in extracurricular activities as mentors, coaches and club advisors and were involved in organizations for teaching professionals (NEA,NJEA,UCREA,UTEA).

Following their retirement, they continued their involvement in their professional organizations and began their community service. They are active officers and members of numerous organizations in Union.

In 2004, after the death of Marie's son, Douglas Krueger, they founded the Douglas Michael Krueger Scholarship Fund. This fund awards scholarships and grants to individuals and organizations that foster cultural arts. To date, they have granted over $100,000 in awards to assist deserving students and organizations pursue their goals in the Arts.

In 2013, they began producing Union's Got Talent, a show that invites talent from throughout NJ to compete for monetary prizes. Held each November, it is the only fundraiser the scholarship fund conducts. The DMK Fund is also supported by generous donations from friends, family and local businesses.

In 2025, the Township of Union honored the efforts of the scholarship fund to serve the community when they named the theater in the new Arts Center in Doug's memory.

Since its opening, the DMK Black Box Theater has become an intrinsic part of the town. Marie and Joe are pleased that the American Theater Group has partnered with the Township of Union to produce professional cultural art presentations at the DMK.