Donald Martin Marra, 85, passed away on November 21, 2020 surrounded by his loving family.
Born and raised in Springfield, he was the son of Martin and Lorena (Helie) Marra.
A 1954 graduate of Springfield Technical High School, Don served with the U.S. Navy aboard the destroyer escort, USS Woodson. In 1956 he married his wife of 62 years, Paulette (Gamache) Marra, and later lived in Chicopee where they raised their family and attended Assumption Church.
A member of Teamsters Local 404, Don worked at Country Club Soda Company for over 30 years. He later worked as a courtesy driver for Bertera Auto Group in West Springfield until his retirement. For the past 20 years, he lived in Easthampton and attended Our Lady of the Valley Church.
Don was a New England Patriots fan and fishing enthusiast who enjoyed annual fishing trips to Lake Champlain with his family.
Devoted husband of Paulette who passed away in 2019; father of Kathleen Marra Slepchuk, Daniel Marra, and Kevin Marra who passed away in 1987; grandfather of Peter Slepchuk, Jennifer LeCours, Rebecca Smuda, Sarah Smuda, Alec Slepchuk, David Marra, Zachary Slepchuk and Jonathan Marra; and great grandfather of 10.
Family and friends are invited to visit Monday, November 30, 9-10 a.m. at Tazzini Funeral Home, 22 Locust St. in Springfield;proceeding to Don's 11 a.m. Liturgy of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Church. Burial, with full military honors, to follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery. Masks & social distancing required at all.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.
Please visit www.TazziniFuneralHome.com for condolences.
Kathy and Family, I am sending my condolences and I am sorry for your loss.
I enjoyed spending time and talking with Donald and Paulette during the holidays. Donald had a great sense of humor and someone who was a pleasure to speak with. He was a great gentleman, had a contageous smile and an open heart that would lift my spirits.
He is in my thoughts and prayers.
Thinking of you,
Michael