Peter A. Marotta Sr.

Peter A. Marotta Sr. was born on Staten Island on May 21, 1939. He left this world peacefully at home on April 2, 2020. He was the first born son of Josephine and Dominic Marotta. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Virginia Joy Marotta. He has three children, Peter Jr. who is married to Sara, Michael, whose wife is Grace and his daughter Joann Nellis, married to Richard. He was the proud grandfather of 6 grandchildren, Peter, Michael, John, Richard, Daniel and Kaitlyn. He was the brother of Maryann Bollinger, brother in law of Jeffrey Bollinger, Dore Marotta, William Joy and Madeline Joy. His brother Joseph passed away in 2008. He is also survived by his beloved nieces and nephews, his cousins, and aunt, Theresa Gagliardi.

He grew up in Tompkinsville and had fond memories of family dinners and times with his large extended family. He was the first of his family to be born in America.

Mr. Marotta graduated from Curtis High School, where he played on the school’s football team. He earned AA

degree in Structural Design from Brooklyn College.

Mr. Marotta went on to a career of over 50 years working on aspects of supermarket planning, construction, engineering, and maintenance areas. He is a professional member of the Retail Design Institute (R.D.I). He was a founding member of Store Planners, Engineers and Customers. (SPECS)

While leading the store planning team at Shoprite, he remodeled the complete chain, to be friendly to disabled shoppers. This was over 25 years before ADA. A disabled customer had told him “ I really liked your store but I can’t shop in it”. In keeping with his character, he took action to make the stores accessible to all. He said” It was the right thing to do”. The Easter Seal Society in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania certified the stores as “Barrier Free.”

Mr. Marotta was a principal partner in AAA Refrigeration Service for 35 + years and oversaw its expansion into the entire Tri-State area. He also founded Supermarket Technical Services Inc. and grew that into a nationally known store planning concern. He mentored his employees in the same manner in which he mentored his Scouts, he was always willing to give of himself to help others.

Mr. Marotta dedicated his life to service to others. His oldest son, Peter asked to join Cub Scouts and while attending the first meeting, it was discovered that the Cub Pack needed adult leaders. Never having been a Scout himself, Mr. Marotta took on this new challenge. What followed was a 40 plus year commitment to the Scouting community of Greater New York. Mr. Marotta served as Cub Master for Pack 77, Our Lady of Good Counsel Church and moved on to become their Scoutmaster. In addition, Mr. Marotta was an Adult Leader Trainer, District Chairman and Executive Board member. He was given the opportunity to develop and direct a “Wood badge” advanced training course for Scout Masters, for Greater New York Councils. The course was an amazing success. It aimed at developing leadership skills in adults, to be passed on to their scouts. (Wood badge is a worldwide training program of the Boy Scouts) Mr. Marotta is a decorated Scout Leader, having been awarded the one of the Highest Honors in Scouting, the Silver Beaver Award, for distinguished service to young people within the B.S.A. local council. He is also a holder of the St George Emblem, an award presented to individuals who have made significant and outstanding contributions to the development of Catholic Youth in Scouting. Mr. Marotta Is a Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow which is considered the National Honor Society for the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Marotta’s sons, Peter Jr. and Michael are both Eagle Scouts, and in addition to his sons, Mr. Marotta’s nephew, Paul Marotta, his grandson Peter W. Marotta and his grandson, Daniel Nellis all earned Scouting’s Highest rank of Eagle Scout under Mr. Marotta’s guidance and leadership along with countless other Scouts he worked with over the years.

In later years, Mr. Marotta enjoyed spending time with his 6 grandchildren, attending their sport’s events, music concerts, theater events, scouting activities and taking them fishing at his beloved lake house in Pennsylvania. He loved to travel, explore and learn. Mr. Marotta served on the Executive Board at Still water Estates, Pocono Summit, P.A. He could usually be found running the grill at the annual Fourth of July picnic.

Mr. Marotta was a Faithful man who served the Our Lady of Good Counsel community, first as an Altar Boy and later as chairman of the Holy Name Society. He was also an Usher. He was a dedicated servant of the Blessed Mother.

Mr. Marotta was an influential and beloved member of his community. He will be missed by many, especially his family. Mr. Marotta believed in always leaving things better than he found them. We believe he succeeded.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” - 2 Timothy 4:7

Twenty-Third Psalm

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;

He leadeth me beside the still waters. He

restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the

paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of

the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for

Thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they

comfort me. Thou preparest a table before

me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou

anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth

over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow

me all the days of my life: and I shall dwell

in the house of the Lord forever.