Ralph E Marra

Marra, Ralph E., of Tarpon Springs FL went to be with the Lord on February 6, 2016. He was born in Olean, NY on February 22, 1932, son of Dominic and Mary (Pisano) Marra, and came to Tarpon Springs, FL in 2010. He was a loving, caring husband, father, and grandfather. He loved and served his family and was a lifelong parishioner of St. Johns Catholic Church in Olean. He was pre-deceased by his loving wife Mary Jean Richardson Marra and a brother and sister Anthony (Tito) Marra of Cuba, NY and Mary Theresa Marra Smith of Cleveland OH. He served his country in the armed forces and received his Bachelor's degree in Education at the State University of NY at Buffalo. He took over his father's Standard Tile Co.'s Ceramic Tile Business with his brother "Tito" Marra in 1959, then, in the late 60's, received his Bachelor's Degree in Building Construction, & was influential in teaching, first at the Ellicottville B.O.C.E.S. Occupational Center, then, the B.O.C.E.S. South Center here in Olean through the 90's. He was also on the City of Olean Planning & Zoning Board for many years. He was a legend to many of us and he was a master builder no matter what he did. In his retirement he enjoyed travel and golf and visiting family and friends. He is survived by his four children, Ralph J. and wife Mary of Tampa FL, Dominic and wife Maria of Miami FL, Victoria of Tampa FL, Nicholas Marra and wife Susan of Odessa FL, 10 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 7pm on Thursday, February 11 at the Blount & Curry Funeral Homes, Oldsmar/West Hillsborough Chapel, 6802 Silvermill Dr, Tampa. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. He will be returning to Olean after a memorial service in Tampa. Goodbye to our loving Dad. We love you and will always cherish you. In lieu of flowers, donations can go to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 441 N Union St, Olean, NY 14760. Online condolences can be made at www.blountcurrywest.com