Charles "Charlie" Oreste Marra
Beloved Father and Grandfather, 77
Charles “Charlie” Oreste Marra, 77, of Huntington Beach, California passed away peacefully and of natural causes the evening of Thursday, May 7, 2020. His family was blessed in being able to speak to him and say their “Goodbyes for Now” in his final hour.
Due to the current health crisis, private funeral services will be held with interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. We ask that you say a special prayer for Charlie from your home.
Charlie was born in Newark and grew up in Bloomfield, before receiving his Bachelor's Degree from Monmouth College. Throughout young adulthood, Charlie enjoyed playing football and was a Golden Gloves boxer. His love of sports continued throughout his life and he always maintained his loyalty to his Phillies and Eagles, no matter where he lived.
Charlie was a long-time resident of various cities throughout New Jersey before moving to Cincinnati, Ohio and eventually to sunny Southern California. He was an award-winning Career Salesman and an accomplished Jazz Musician. Charlie played alto saxophone with contemporary greats such as Art Pepper, Zoot Sims, and Chet Baker. Charlie was also a free-lance writer whose articles were published extensively in DownBeat Magazine.
Charlie was the life of the party time and time again. He had a raw sense of humor with spot on delivery and a one of a kind personality. What will be remembered most about him, is who he was at his core. He was loving, funny, and most importantly faith-filled. He loved us. And we loved him. He will be deeply, deeply missed until we all meet again, face to Face in the Presence of Jesus.
Charlie is survived by his former wife Diana Lee Marra; his daughter Stephanie Lee Marra; his daughter Laurie Marie Marra and her husband William Scott Russell; and his only grandchild Isabella Marlee Russell. He is also survived by many other special family members who he grew up with and always remembered fondly.
Charlie is predeceased by his devoted parents Charles Francis Marra (August 8, 1997) and Maria Teresa (nee DelGuercio) Marra (January 4, 2012); and his beloved son Charles Christopher Marra (June 30, 2018).
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