Obituary of Lawrence B. Marro

CLIFTON SPRINGS-Lawrence (Larry) (Speck) B. Marro, passed away peacefully on his 102nd birthday, Mon. (Feb. 3, 2014), at the Clifton Springs Nursing Home. Friends may attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Sat. (Feb. 8), at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Newark. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Larry was born on Feb. 3, 1912, in Clyde, NY and was a son of the late Dennis and Mary (Tabiccone) Marro. He lived a very long, full life that he always shared to the fullest with those he had the opportunity to touch in his special way. He spent his most recent years living with a great group of friends & staff at Ashton Place in Clifton Springs. After a short illness he started his new journey to be with the Lord and everything great that awaits him. Larry graduated from high school in Newark. He served his country in WWII in the U.S.Army. After training, he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and was deployed in the Battle of the Bulge. Injured in action, Larry received the Purple Heart & returned home. He pursued an education in photography in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Larry returned to Newark and opened up a restaurant well known as "Speck's". He was owner/ operator for 30yrs, establishing great relationships with many patrons and co-workers throughout the years. When he sold the business he moved to Ft. Lauderdale with his second wife Irene, where they spent the next 40yrs. Larry was an avid painter, writer and loved to share his philosophies on life & politics. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Toastmasters, St. Michael's Church in Newark and St. Rose Church in Fla. He is survived by his daughter, Mary Jane (Marro) Valentino & her husband Anthony (Val); one brother, Dr. Thomas Marro (Pa); sister, Ange Janto (NJ); three grandchildren, Valerie (Valentino) Oyer, Steve Valentino and Michelle (Eric) Hemmings; seven great-grandchildren, Michael, Steve, Josh, Zach, Emily, Hannah and Hayley; one great, great granddaughter, Autumn; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Larry was predeceased by his first wife, Frances (Satta) Marro; wife, Irene (Bedette) Marro; brothers, Teddy & George Marro; sisters, Theresa Pitrella and Madeline DeMaria; family members, Michael Oyer and Kelly Valentino.