Alphonse M. Marra March 9, 1927 - March 19, 2018 Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Alphonse Michael Marra passed away peacefully in his Fairfax, Virginia home with his wife at his bedside on March 19, 2018. A gifted artist and designer, Alphonse was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Bernardo and Angelina Marra. As a first generation Italian-American, he was as proud of his Italian heritage as he was of being American. He served our country in the army during the Korean War. He received a scholarship to the prestigious Parsons School of Design, graduated with honors and then studied Industrial Design at the University of Bridgeport, where he met his beloved wife of more than 60 years, Patricia Marra. His career began in New York City creating designs for artisanal jeweler, Cartier. He then spent many years as a successful Industrial Designer for both Westinghouse and Philco/Ford were some of his innovative designs are still being used today. He relocated to Fairfax, Virginia in 1977 to spearhead a project for the Federal Prison Industries where he designed furniture for inmates to build, giving them the opportunity to earn a salary and gain a skill while incarcerated. Best known for his love and dedication to his family, Al’s happiest days were spent providing for their every need from teaching his daughters to swim and ride bikes to sharing his passion for the arts with visits to art museums all over the globe to providing academic education and worldly advice. The Ford Thunderbird he loved so much almost drove itself to Connecticut for frequent visits to parents, siblings and relatives. Together with his wife they travelled the world. They enjoyed more than 30 cruises and visited dozens of countries with Italy and Russia being two of his favorites. Al shared his joy of travel with his children and grandchildren so they could experience other cultures.
After he retired, Al filled his hours painting as part of the Washington Society of Landscape Painters. He won awards for several of his watercolors and had the privilege of showing his work at the Fairfax Art League. He enjoyed gardening, going to the gym and a good margarita. Al courageously battled Alzheimer’s since 2010. His happy smile would light up any heart. He will be missed so much. Alphonse is survived by his wife, Patricia Marra of Fairfax, Virginia, his daughters, Michele Marra Mann and her husband, Albert Mann of Laguna Niguel, California and Beth Marra of Centreville, Virginia, his grandchildren, Michael Mann and Kaelie Mann, his sister, Marie D’Andrea and his nephew, Gregg D’Andrea. Alphonse is predeceased by his parents Bernardo and Angelina Marra. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Demaine Funeral Home located at 10565 Main Street in Fairfax, Virginia. In lieu of flowers kindly make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Calling hours will also be held on Friday, March 23, 2018 from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the Glastonbury Funeral Home located at 450 New London Turnpike, Glastonbury, Connecticut. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 10:00 am located at 2577 Main Street, Glastonbury, Connecticut.
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