Intermediate Unit 1 Says Farewell to Board Member, Tony Marra

Mr. Anthony Marra, 93, died Sunday, October 25, 2009. Mr. Marra has been a member of the Intermediate Unit 1 Board of Directors for the past 39 years and held offices of president, vice president, and treasurer. He was a lifelong resident of Chartiers-Houston School District and served as a school board member there for 40 years.

He had a great love for children and music and played bass fiddle and sang in many area bands. In 2008, Chartiers-Houston dedicated the elementary music wing in his name, naming it the Anthony Marra Music Suite.

Mr. Marra became a charter member of the Greater Canonsburg Lions Club in March 1953. Through the years, he served in all club positions, including secretary for 30 years. In 1961, he was elected the first district governor of Lions District 14M, serving in 1962 to 1963. He was responsible for the chartering of Hickory, McDonald, and South Park Lions clubs. As a Lion, Mr. Marra was an international councilor and had received many awards including Ross F. DiMarco Fellowship, Melvin Jones Fellowship, International Leadership Medal, the International Presidents Medal, and in 2005, the highest honor a Lion can receive, Ambassador of Goodwill — an international award chosen from 196 countries for which only 35 were given yearly.

Mr. Marra served with the U.S. Army during World War II. He was also a member of First United Presbyterian Church of Houston, Houston Independent Club, American Legion 902, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191, and Keystone Club. He retired from Columbia Gas in 1981, having started in sales and ended his career in the gas utilization department.

Tony leaves behind a daughter, Judith Ann Zubert of Houston; five grandchildren, Lisa Bright (Scott), Shelly Armstrong (Scott), Heather Haas (Danny), Tiffany Porter (Todd), and Gina Ortalano; six great-grandchildren, Austin Armstrong, Isabella Armstrong, Annie Haas, Hannah Porter, Elizabeth Haas, and Rocco Orltalano; and a brother-in-law, Edward Murphy of Washington.

All of us at Intermediate Unit 1 will miss his sweet smile and lively spirit. We were most fortunate to have had him in our lives. For more memories of Tony, visit http://www.sollon.com.