Ralph E. Marra

Ralph E. Marra of Tarpon Springs, formerly of Olean, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 6, 2016. Ralph was born in Olean, on February 22, 1932, son of Dominic and Mary (Pisano) Marra, and came to Tarpon Springs, FL in 2010. He was formerly married to Mary Jean Richardson. Ralph was a graduate of Olean High School and received his Bachelor's degree in Education at the State University of NY at Buffalo. He served his country in the armed Air force from Feb. 14, 1951 to Nov. 13, 1954. He took over his father's Standard Tile Co.'s Ceramic Tile Business with his brother "Tito" Marra in 1959. Then, in the late 60's, received his Bachelor's Degree in Building Construction, & was influential in teaching, first at the Ellicottville BOCES Occupational Center, then, the BOCES South Center here in Olean through the 90's. He was also on the City of Olean Planning & Zoning Board for many years. He was a legend to many of us, and he was a master builder no matter what he did. In his retirement, he enjoyed travel and golf and visiting family and friends. Ralph was a loving, caring husband, father, and grandfather. He loved and served his family and was a lifelong parishioner of St. John's Catholic Church in Olean. Ralph is survived by his four children, Ralph J. (Mary) Marra of Tampa FL, Dominic (Maria) Marra of Miami FL, Victoria of Tampa FL, Nicholas (Susan) Marra of Odessa FL, 10 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. Ralph was pre-deceased by a brother Anthony (Tito) Marra of Cuba, NY and a sister Mary Theresa Marra Smith of Cleveland OH. Funeral services were held in Florida on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at the Blount & Curry Funeral Homes, Oldsmar/West Hillsborough Chapel, 6802 Silvermill Dr, Tampa, Fl. In lieu of flowers, donations can go to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 441 N Union St, Olean, NY 14760. Online condolences may be made by clicking the button above.