Anthony J. "Frecks" Marra

Anthony J. “Frecks” Marra, 91, of East Avenue, Watertown, passed away October 6, 2024 at his home.

Frecks was born January 30, 1933 in Watertown, son of Philip and Elizabeth (Messina) Marra. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1950. While in high school Frecks was a member of the 1950 Basketball team that won the state championship. He was a proud pitcher of a “no hitter” while on the school baseball team.  After high school he was invited and tried out for the St. Louis Browns in Thomasville, GA. He received a full scholarship to Ithaca College.

Frecks joined the United States Army in 1956 and was stationed in Scholfield Barracks in Hawaii. He played on the Army Basketball team, being honorably discharged in 1958.

He married Phyllis Chamberlain June 28, 1958 at Holy Family Church. Frecks began his produce department career on October 15, 1951 at Loblaws Grocery Store where he eventually became produce manager. When Loblaws sold to Great American he stayed there for the majority for his career. For a few years before his retirement he worked for TOPS in the Washington Street Plaza. Frecks finally retired on October 15, 2021 exactly 70 years to the day he started. After retiring he was honored with the NYS Senior Citizen of the Year award from Senator Patty Ritchie.

Frecks was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Church, a member of the Italian American Civic Association, and a life member of the Elks Lodge. He enjoyed cooking Italian Food, learning to cook later in life. He was a tremendous sports fan, enjoying the NY Giants, Syracuse University Basketball, the NY Yankees and all high school sports.

Frecks enjoyed reading, gardening, the casino, coffee with the guys, traveling with Phyllis to Europe and on cruises, and his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a selfless and giving man.

Surviving besides his wife Phyllis are two daughters, Lisa (Robert) Curran, Harleysville, PA, Susan (Paul) D’Aiutolo, Rochester, NY, a son, Timothy (Angela) Marra, Adams, NY, a brother Peter (Barbara) Marra, Yonkers, NY, a sister, Frances Green, Watertown, NY, five grandchildren, Christopher Uhlein, Lauren (Ryan) Velerka, Alexander Uhlein, Emma D’Aiutolo, Lillian Marra, several nieces and nephews. Five sisters, Vera Demerest, Laura La Cava, Mary Cummins, Antonette Stowell and Sabatina (Dolly) Smith all died before him.

Calling hours will be Thursday from 4-7pm at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. A funeral mass will be held Friday at 10 am at St. Anthony’s Church with burial in Glenwood Cemetery to follow.

Online condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com

Contributions may be made to St. Judes Childrens Hospital, 501 St. Judes Place, Memphis, TN 38105 St. Jude's or to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 The American Cancer Society

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