Obituary of Benedict Marra, Sr.

Benedict Marra, Sr., a longtime resident of Pequannock, died Friday, January 27, 2023 at Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains. He was 101. 

Born in Belleville, Ben was the son of Joseph and Frances Marra. The oldest of two sons, Ben was raised in Belleville. The day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Ben enlisted in the U.S. Navy, proudly serving his country during World War II. "I hope that none of my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, or future generations will ever have to go to war again," Ben wrote. "There are no winners in wartime - only heartbreak." 

Ben served his country for just under four years, and was stationed on the USS Abermarle. He remained close with his shipmates, and attended several reunions over the decades. 

Honorably discharged in 1946, Ben settled in Bloomfield, and later Haskell, to raise his five children. He was a longtime Salesman in the toy industry, and was employed by Two Guys and Child World for many years before enjoying a long retirement.

Ben lived for his family, and enjoyed being with them. Special times were always had by the Marra family down at Seaside Park on the Jersey Shore. As a child, Ben had spent many days with his brother and cousins in Long Branch, so the beach was a longtime favorite place for Ben to spend his days. He loved to reminisce about the simplicity of the old days, and arose every day to read his beloved newspaper. He was a very social, outgoing, and loveable guy, who enjoyed many friendships over the years. At 99, he was as active as ever, and held the title of shuffleboard champion. He will be dearly missed by many.

Ben is lovingly survived by his children, Frances Marra, Joseph Marra and his wife Ginger, Benedict Marra Jr. and his wife Diane, and Darlene Ehrmann and her husband Scott; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, Elaine, and his brother, Frank Marra. 

Memorial Visitation will be held 4-7:30 pm Wednesday, February 1st at the funeral home. A funeral service and presentation of honors by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard will take place at 7:30 pm to conclude the visitation period. Cremation will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ben's memory to St. Jude's Children's Hospital would be greatly appreciated by his family.