Alexander J. Marra

Alexander J. Marra
July 7, 1941 – January 16, 2025
83 Years, 214 Days

Alexander J. Marra, known to many as Al, AJ, or Dad, of Hurley NY, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 16, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on July 7, 1941, in Jamaica, NY, to Salvatore and Ann Marra. Alex lived a full life, one marked by adversity and hardship. Through it all, he remained steadfast in his character and unwavering in his morals, guided by his beliefs. In his nearly two-decade battle with Parkinson's disease, he defied medical expectations, fighting with a stubbornness that may have surprised his doctors but was no surprise to those who knew him.

At the age of 17, Alex joined the United States Marine Corps, serving honorably from 1958 to 1962 and earning the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge. During his service, he was stationed in Japan, where he enjoyed surfing, was stung by a jellyfish and even won a watermelon-eating contest (we heard about that one a lot)—one of his many adventures overseas. Others were better documented but equally relatable, such as a service record disciplinary entry from March of 1962: "As a result of previous indulgence in intoxicating liquor, incapacitated for proper performance of his duties."
He also served in California and began his military training at Camp Lejeune, NC.

Alex was a lover of movies, fishing, and collecting sports cards. His family jokes that he may hold the record for most viewings of Tremors, The Abyss, and Armageddon. He had a knack for creating unforgettable moments, often born from accident. Like the time he and his sons got stuck in the middle of a creek in an inflatable raft. While they shouted for rescue, a nearby fisherman simply waded into the knee-deep water and handed him a beer.

Alex had a colorful and varied career, working as a respiratory therapist, fishmonger, toll collector, cemetery broker, security guard, UPS driver, and more as he never stayed too long in one place.

Alex won't be remembered for his patience—especially while driving—but he will be remembered for the time he fell through a ceiling, landed on the couch, grabbed the control and turned on the TV. Or the time he one-upped a neighborly dispute over a porch light by purchasing a 1,000-watt commercial stage light at a garage sale, illuminating the entire block.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marsha Marra, who stood by him through tumultuous times, especially in the late stages of his illness. She often drove to the VA hospital in Albany to advocate for him when his voice failed and to provide a familiar face when much else was unrecognizable to him (also should be noted that whenever lights were left on, he often said "What am I married to Con Edison."He is survived by his son Alex B. Marra and wife Kristin; his former wife Rita, and their sons Nick Marra and wife Kim, Chris Marra and wife Kristi; his stepsons, Adam Shapiro and wife Jenna, and Scott Shapiro and wife Maria. He leaves behind his grandchildren whom he certainly did and would have loved: Gianna, Stella, Anthony, Julia, Isabella, Dylan, Leo, and Lena. He also leaves behind his sister, Joan Marra.

Alex is predeceased by his daughter, Susan Dellosso (2022); his parents, Salvatore (1996) and Ann Marra (1980); his sister, Marilyn Dionisio (2015); and his brother, Saverio Marra (Ricky) (2006).

He kept only a few close friends, some still with us and others who have passed: Jeff and Brenda, a great neighbor named Bob, Art, Ernie and Lillie.

He will be buried at the Hurley Cemetery surrounded by those who knew him. In lieu of sending flowers, baskets or cards, we ask that you visit a veteran at a local VA hospital, or send them tokens of your appreciation for their service.

Semper Fi