Richard Allen Marra

Richard “Big” Marra, age 77, passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2025 in the loving care of his family.

Rich was born in Queens, New York to the late Irene and Joseph Marra. After graduating high school and attending one year of college, Rich joined the United States Army to serve during the Vietnam war. By the age of 21, he commanded a squad of soldiers on dangerous missions and demonstrated many acts of valor, earning himself two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman Badge.

He married the late Maureen Polvere where they raised Richard Marra Jr. together. He supported his family by working as a phone technician at AT&T.

Rich is survived by his son Richard Jr.,his daughter-in-law Heidi Marra, his grandson Mike Mihalow, and his eight cats Pixie, Phil, Captain, Rosie, Kermit, Dasha, Clone, and Bear- Bear. Rich dearly loved to spend time with his family and cats.

A perfect day for Rich involved smoking weed, speeding to the Harrah’s race track in his BMW and hanging with his friends and son to bet on horses. Afterwards he’d eat a delicious home cooked meal from his son, spend time with his family and cats, and watch South Park, the Simpsons, or Rick and Morty, eating his favorite mint chocolate chip ice cream.  

Rich was also an avid music lover. When he was younger, he went to all sorts of rock concerts, including the Quicksilver Messenger Service, the Rolling Stones, Jeff Beck, Emerson Lake & Palmer, the Moody Blues, and many more. Later in life he listened to the greatest rock and roll hits daily while gaming on his playstation.

He loved the New York Mets and Jets. Though the teams haven’t seen much championship success in recent years, he proudly listened to the Jets’ first Super Bowl win in 1969 over the radio while stationed in Vietnam.

His partner in crime was Jack, a clever orange cat who often accompanied Rich on walking errands around downtown Wilmington.

He was great at making people feel seen and accepted– no matter who it was. He was Awesome and Perfect.

Rich will be laid to rest at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Monday, June 30th, 2025 at 11:00am. 

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