Michael "Mike" Edmond Marmaro

Mike was born on February 25, 1958 in Princeton, IL.  He moved to Pinellas Park, Florida as a child and graduated from Dixie Hollins HS in 1976. 

Mike continued his education at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY where he was a cadet in company B4 and served as Company Commander. He graduated with the class of 1980 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry Branch (Aviation) of the United States Army. He was trained as an Army Ranger, Air Assault Expert, and served as a Paratrooper and Blackhawk helicopter pilot. Mike’s distinguished service included challenging assignments both in the United States and overseas in Germany. He was very proud of his military service.   Mike resigned his commission in 1988 at the rank of Captain and continued to serve the nation in the civilian sector.  

He earned his MBA from the University of Portland in 1995. He shared his talents with numerous organizations and held various titles with BOC Group, DynCorp, Stryker and Marlow Industries. However, his most valued title was as husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and a friend to many.   He cherished many longtime friends who he was able to visit and enjoy special moments, reunions, and vacations with throughout the years. His favorite pastimes were going to the gym, cycling, golfing, motorcycling and spending time with family and friends.  

He loved traveling with his wife of nearly 42 years, Nelle Marmaro.   They raised two sons, Matthew Clifton Marmaro and Douglas Michael Marmaro.  He enjoyed watching their soccer, football and track meets.  Mike was a fierce competitor and athlete; traits he passed on to his sons.  His sons had an endearing nickname for Mike, and that was “The Captain”.   

The Captain had a tender place in his heart for his four grandchildren: Addison Marmaro, 10; Emilia Marmaro, 8; Jack Marmaro, 6; Molly Marmaro, 2.

They melted his heart.  Renting a lake house and driving the boat with the kids being pulled behind in a tube brought lots of smiles to everyone.  Ballet recitals, class plays, baseball games were all a part of being a Grandpa.  Traveling to national parks with the family was a priority in recent years and he led the family on many adventures to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Tetons and Yellowstone.  Seeing the joy on his face was priceless.

Mike will be remembered as a trusted friend and family man.  He loved talking on the phone and reuniting with his Army comrades.  Those were important connections.

Mike is preceded in death by his father and mother, Raymond and Connie Marmaro.  He is survived by his wife Nelle, and sons, Matt and Doug, along with his daughter in laws, Ashley and Joanna. He loved them as his own. He is also survived by his four loving siblings, Mary Otazo, Roger Marmaro, Sandra Mooney, and Paul Marmaro.

Michael will be laid to rest at the Dallas / Ft Worth National Cemetery on August 22, and 9:00 AM.  

A Celebration of Life will be at 1:00 at Ted Dickeys Funeral Home, 2128 18th Street, Plano, TX on August 22 at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Mike’s patriotic foundations:  Tunnel to Towers or Wounded Warriors Project.