Ralph C. Marra Sr., of Oceanport and Estero, FL., a lifelong resident of Oceanport, Ralph passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024 at the age of 87.
He graduated from Long Branch High School, Class of ’55 and was an active member of the Borough of Oceanport, becoming a volunteer fireman at the age of 18. He rose up the ranks to Captain and Fire Chief. He was also a lifelong member of the Oceanport First Aid Squad. He became a Councilman, Police Commissioner, Fire Commissioner and Financial Liaison for the Borough of Oceanport.
Ralph was proud American and served in the Army National Guard.
He began his career as one of Oceanport’s first mailmen. His desire for success drove him to begin college at the age of 26. He attended classes at Monmouth College at night, while working full time and raising a family. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Business, he began a successful career in the ceramic tile industry.
Tile, meat, ice cream and golf: Marra’s passions
Ralph was the owner of Classic Ceramic Tile Inc. in Keyport and East Brunswick. He was a member and officer of the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA) and was honored as their Man of the Year in 2006. His career took him around the world to locate, import and distribute the finest tile for his customers. In addition to his career in the tile industry, Ralph also owned Fred’s Meat Market, Marra’s Uptown Market, and Beaches n’ Cream Ice Cream, all in Long Branch.
After a heart attack at age 62, he knew he needed to slow down. He took up golf, which became a passion for him. He loved it and became quite good – even shooting a hole-in-one at Charleston Springs Golf Course.
In his later years, he spent much of his time at his beloved house in Estero, Florida. He hated New Jersey winters and loved the warmth of the Florida sunshine.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ralph enjoyed the company of many friends; especially his golf buddies, Friday lunches with “The Boys” and his Sunday breakfast crew. He particularly enjoyed Sunday dinners with his family.
Ralph will be fondly remembered as a great man who influenced many people. Friends, employees, mentees at SCORE, and especially family benefited from his kindness, generosity, and love. His knack for gardening was evident by the beautiful flowers he planted around his home every spring.
Ralph was predeceased by his parents Carmela and Frank Marra.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Anne, his children; Ralph Jr. (Bernice), Robert (Margaret), Suzanne (Joel); grandchildren Alex, Brian, Lauren, Maggie, Kristie and his sister and brother-in-law Linda and Alan Johnson. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visiting was held at Fiore-Buckley Funeral Home, 236 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, Ocean Township on Thursday, January 2, 2025 with a Fire Department service. Funeral service was held at the funeral home on Friday, January 3, followed by entombment at Woodbine Mausoleum in Oceanport. Donations can be made in Ralph’s name to: Oceanport Hook & Ladder, 21 Main Street, Oceanport, NJ 07757, Oceanport First Aid Squad, 2 Pemberton Ave. Oceanport, or Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
