William Marra
February 12, 1934 - November 23, 2012
William D. Marra
Builder, Developer, Grocery Store Owner
William D. Marra, 78, of Sewickley died peacefully on Friday, November 23rd, 2012 with his wife of 19 years, Debera, by his side. He was born on February 12, 1934. He was the son of Daniel A. Marra and Aida N. (Boder) Marra, brother of Daniel (Lorraine) Marra, James Francis Marra, Ruth (Fritz) Walker, and John (Kitty) Marra. He married his high school sweetheart, the late Marjorie Ann Wurdack and together they were the parents of the late Donald Marra, Marty (Toni) Marra, Donna Marra, Dean (Mary) Marra, Renee (Tom) Bosmans, and Ed (Deanna) Marra. He is the grandfather of William, Samantha, Molly, Louis, David, Krystal, Tom, Bella, and Nicolina. He is also survived by many wonderful nieces and nephews.
After attending West View High School he joined the Army and became a Sergeant in the 3rdArmored Division in Ft. Knox, Ky. Upon returning to Pittsburgh he started his own companies building homes and many apartment buildings. His work was his life. He was a visionary and took many risks, which led him from his construction and development operations to open the Amarraca Supermarket in Ross Township with many trend setting ideas. In 1993 he married Debera Kramer and they resided in Sewickley, PA and Naples, Florida. He was a Life Director of the Builder’s Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh and the Apartment Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh of which he was a founder. He never retired and was currently active in several real estate projects. Friends will be welcome on Wednesday, November 28th from 2 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the T.B. DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME, 806 Perry Highway in the North Hills. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 29th in Hiland Presbyterian Church at 10AM. Entombment in Sewickley Cemetery will take place immediately following the funeral. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s name to the Salvation Army, PO Box 236, Pittsburgh, PA 15230-0236 or the Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105.
Send Flowers Shop Gifts Print Obituary Share Obituary
Dear Eddie,
my families deepest sympathy to you and your family in the loss of your dad. Art, Jackie, George and I where deeply saddened when we heard of dad’s passing. Jackie had just seen him a few weeks ago at Jiffy Lube. I also had left a message with Joe at the funeral home for you to call me. Sorry we could not make it at Devlins.
Love, bless you and your family, God has taken another fine person to heaven.
Mary Ann and George Benna, Art Hickler and Jackie Vignere
He was a visionary in the supermarket business. He was so far ahead of his time that his competitors learned a great deal from him. He was the first and his supermarket was first class in every way…great product, great people, great leadership. His son Marty was an excellent leader and manager. When Amarraca closed I know it broke Mr. Marra’s heart because I was there and it broke mine, also. I wish him peace. He deserves it very much.
Our deepest sympathy to the Marra Family
Thank you, Mr. Marra for devoting your life to allowing senior citizens to be able to live in a beautiful apartment in a great building, like Town North Tower, with so many wonderful benefits to make our waning years comfortable and safe. May God grant you a lovely place of restful sleep, for all eternity.
Most sincerely,
Mary Lou Carr