Nathan A. Marra's Obituary
Nathan A. Marra, 91, of Cicero, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at home with his loving family by his side. Born in Syracuse, son of the late Antonio and Pasqua “Mary” (Gringeri) Marra, Nate went to Eastwood High School and became the 1949 NYS Rope Climbing Champion (2.8 seconds to reach the top of a 20 feet rope). After high school, Nate joined the United States Army, serving in the Korean Conflict. Following his military service, Nate was employed by several local companies where he expanded his areas of expertise learning all types of new trades and eventually became the co-owner of Smith’s Pier (n/k/a The Pier in Brewerton), was both a residential and commercial builder, opened and operated an automotive repair shop, and ultimately, became a successful real estate developer of the residential communities Marra Estates, Marra Manor, and Marra Meadows and commercial development Elta Business Park. Nate grew in his faith over time and was a communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church. Nate most enjoyed hosting parties for family and friends at his beautiful self-built home and loved to spend any time he could with his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Along with his parents, Nate is predeceased by his wife, Barbara, in 1999; daughter-in-law, Sharon, in 2022; brothers, Frank, Tony, Joe, Johnny, and Sammy; sisters, Margaret, Kate, Santa, Laura, and Sara; as well as the family dog, Duke.
Nate is survived by his children, Michael Marra, Karen Marra O'Brien (Michael), Suzanne Marra Lantry, Nicholas Marra (Suzanne), and Barbara Jean Marra Carroll (Richard); grandchildren, Christopher (Julie) Marra, Alexander (Lindsay) Lantry, Michael (Amanda) O'Brien, Jr., Nicole Lantry, Brittany Stransky (Michael), Matthew Marra, John Nathan (Kristy) O'Brien, Vincent Marra, Kaleigh Carroll (Jad Tabbara), Adam O'Brien, Richard Carroll III (Brianna Braley), Kaitlyn Carroll, and Olivia Marra; great-grandchildren, Dominic and Roman; Hayden and Miles; Reinna and Korra; Carter, Elliana, Julian, and Lorenzo; and Maximus; along with many nieces and nephews with whom he was very close.
A funeral Mass in celebration of Nate’s life will be held on Monday, October 16, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Rose of Lima Church, 409 S. Main St., North Syracuse. Entombment with military honors will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2023, from 1:00 – 4:00 P.M. at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (Corner of Buckley Rd.) Syracuse, NY 13212.
The Marra family would like to thank all of Nate’s caregivers for their love and support throughout Nate’s illness and his final days.
Contributions in Nate’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, or the Mercy Flights of CNY.
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