Jerry Marra

1955 - 2024

Jerry Marra

June 2, 1955 - March 20, 2024

MIDDLETON - Jerry Marra, of Middleton, WI, a worldclass husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, died suddenly on March 20, 2024. He was 68 years old.

Born in Freeport, NY, the first of Ralph and Frances Marra's five boys, he was fortunate to spend his formative years in Lakewood, NY. Jerry was a hard-working student and standout athlete. Known as "Jerry the Runner," he set high school records in track and qualified for the NY State Cross Country meet. He ran track in college and finished his "one and only" marathon in under three hours, fitting in his training while working and raising his young family.

Jerry graduated from Grove City College in Pennsylvania. He earned his Master of Science in Chemical Engineering at Clemson University in 1979. He started as an Engineer at Owens Corning in Newark, OH. When he and his family moved to Madison, WI, in 1990, he continued his career at Kraft Foods/Oscar Mayer. He was a thoughtful manager and was known for his ability to communicate and create amazing spreadsheets. He retired in 2012.

His warmth and caring made him the best of fathers. He reveled in his three children's individuality and guided them along the path that was best for them. Throughout their lives he could be counted on to "be there" when needed. They are his life's most important contribution. His grandchildren adored their Papa and it was mutual. He gave them undivided attention. He was always thinking up adventures and clearing out space in the basement for them to play school, invent games, put on puppet shows and holiday productions. Serving as their assistant in his workshop, he helped them tinker, saw and glue and he saved everything they built. He was thrilled by the arrival of his second grandson in 2023, and was greatly looking forward to meeting his second granddaughter due in June.

He brought a smile and laughter into every room. He had an unmatched ability to connect with others and take interest in their lives. He was quick with a joke, a story, or college sport statistic. He bought his car solely because it still came with a CD player so he could enjoy his impressive music collection. He loved to solve puzzles and insisted on fixing any broken thing using a little wood, a few screws, some duct tape, and leftover paint.

He was an avid golfer earning the name "Mr. Chips" for his solid short game. He was playing some of his best golf this last winter during our unseasonal warmth and even had a hole in one (his fourth) in December.

Jerry was an unwavering supporter of his wife Barb - complimenting her mediocre golf shots, bringing her snacks in case she got too hungry, and letting her know in countless other ways that she was loved.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Barb Schuster; his children: Kelly (David) Cwiertny, Ken (Tristan) Marra and Peter Marra; his grandchildren: Gabby and Nate Cwiertny, Archie and Isabella Marra; his brothers: Bob (Jane) Marra, Tom (Michelle) Marra, John (Lisa) Marra and Jim (Sharon) Marra; appreciative in-laws and 19 favorite nieces and nephews and their families. His parents preceded him in death.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Drive, Madison, WI, on Sunday April 14, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. A gathering to share stories and memories will follow from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. at TPC Wisconsin, 5000 N. Sherman Ave, Madison, WI.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the organizations where Jerry volunteered. The Literacy Network, 701 Dane Street, Madison, WI, 53713, litnetwork.org; or The WI Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters, 1922 University Ave, Madison, WI 53726, wisconsinacademy.org.