Obituary of John Anthony Marra, Sr.

John A. Marra Sr., a man who represented the very best qualities that humankind has to offer; ability, generosity, intelligence and sensitivity, passed away on Friday, November 23, 2012 at the age of 82. Born in Newark, NJ to the late Dr. Rocco S. and Adeline Marra (nee DiBiasi), he excelled in basketball at both the high school and college levels. While attending Panzer college he achieved the distinction of all-time leading basketball scorer and was inducted into the Panzer College Hall of Fame. With summers spent in Lavallette, John worked many years as a Lavallette Lifeguard, possessing the title of Captain in 1952 and 1953. An outstanding athlete and noted basketball official, John was a 35 year member of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials, holding office of President from 1978 to 1979. He was awarded the Frank C. Corrigan Memorial Award in 1989. A long standing member of the Orange Y and North Jersey Handball League, his athleticism also excelled on the handball court. He was employed by Whippany Paper Board as Division Manager for 29 years; moving to Salwen Paper Company in Edison, NJ as Executive VP. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Dione A. Marra (nee Campomenosi); sons, John A. Marra Jr. and his wife Susan, Flanders, NJ, Jeffery Marra and his wife Karen, East Brunswick, NJ; daughter Cynthia Marra of Lavallette, NJ, and dear friend Tracy Kite, Lavallette NJ; five grandchildren; Elizabeth Alveraz and her husband Marcus, John A. Marra III, Kevin Marra and his wife Emily, Cassandra and Kristen Marra; great grandchildren; James, Caleb and Phoebe Alvarez; his brother Dr. Ronald Marra (Mellarie) and his sister Adele Dougherty (Joseph). Services are private under the direction of Norman Dean Home For Services. A summer memorial is planned. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to the Lavallette First Aid Squad P.O. Box 334 Lavallette, NJ 08735