Marva Velichko

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Marva Velichko. Marva passed away peacefully on Wednesday afternoon, December 13, 2023 at the age of 90. Born on May 29, 1933, in Philadelphia, PA, to loving parents John and Carmella Severino, Marva playfully joked about her name, sharing that her parents thought it was "MARVAlous" to have a girl after five boys. Sadly, Marva was preceded in death by her son, Andrew B. Velichko, and her parents, John and Carmella Severino, as well as her siblings Joseph, Anthony, Angelo, and John Severino. She is survived by her devoted husband Andrew Velichko Jr. and her brother Frank Severino. Marva's enduring legacy lives on through her children and a gaggle of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a great great grandchild. Her amazing life included raising 4 children, welcoming 13 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. In addition to her immediate family, Marva leaves behind a host of extended family members and friends whose lives she touched with her warmth, kindness, and wisdom. Marva embarked on a beautiful journey of love and commitment when she married Andrew Velichko Jr. on May 21, 1955, in Philadelphia, PA. Together, they built a life full of cherished memories. As a newlywed, Marva spent 15 months with her husband Andy in Panama, where he was stationed as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army. At this time, Marva also worked as a secretary for the Panama Canal Company. After returning to the US, Andy and Marva started raising a family. She had a successful career in Somers, NY, serving on the town's planning and zoning board, and a road was named in her honor – "Marva Court." Additionally, Marva had a thriving career as a real estate agent in Westport, CT, before relocating with her husband Andy to Bradenton, FL. Deeply devoted to her faith, Marva served as a Eucharistic Minister for Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. During their 26 years in Bradenton, Marva was also a dedicated supporter of her husband's involvement in the Knights of Columbus. She was also a two-time Blue-Ribbon recipient in Bradenton for her exceptional chili recipe. Marva had a passion for dance and spent many years in a belly dancing troupe, where she not only showcased her talent but also created her own costumes and choreographed dance numbers. Marva had a love for travel and she and Andy enjoyed numerous cruises together, as well as memorable trips to Europe and the West Indies Virgin Islands. Marva also had a love for power boating and was her husband's "First Mate" aboard “Gemini Lady” and then “Gemini Lady Too”. Most of their boating trips and adventures, took place on the Long Island Sound off the coast of Norwalk, Connecticut, where their boat was docked for many years. Their boating extended up and down the Atlantic coast as far north as Newport, Rhode Island and as far south as Atlantic City, New Jersey. Marva and Andrew Velichko shared a remarkable journey together, celebrating 68 years of marriage before her peaceful passing at the age of 90. Family & Friends will gather Thursday, December 28, 2023, from 4 pm to 7 pm at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, located at 601 Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, December 29, 2023, at 11 am at Saint Nicholas Catholic Church, located at 712 Little Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to your local Alzheimer's Association. May her soul rest in eternal peace.