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BORN
1950
DIED
2017
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Donald Marrone Obituary
West Boylston - "As you walk down the fairway of life you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round". Sadly, on Tuesday, November 21st that round came to an end for Donald J. "Donnie" Marrone, Jr., 67, owner of Wachusett Country Club in West Boylston. He now joins his granddaughter and little angel, Emma L. Marrone who passed away in 2006.
Donnie was born in Worcester on August 17, 1950 a son of the late Donald J. Marrone, Sr., and Edith M. (Killoran) Marrone. He graduated from St. John's High School Class of 1968 where he accumulated many lifelong friendships, especially Paul Johnson and Henry Grosse, whom predeceased him by ironically one year to the day. He also graduated from UMass Amherst with a degree in hotel and restaurant management. In 1998 he was awarded the St. John's Distinguished Alumni Award an achievement he was extremely proud of.
Don returned home to join his father in the daily operation of the golf course that was purchased by his grandfather in 1939. His father instilled in him the crucial values of dedication and hard work, both of which were essential to the continued success of their dream. Following his father's death in 1990, Don single handedly assumed the roles of Club Manager, Greens Keeper, Construction Superintendent and "Sometimes Chef". In 2005 his perseverance was recognized when he received the Distinguished Service award from the Golf Course Superintendent Association of New England. In 2008 Donnie and his family purchased Kettle Brook Country Club in Paxton.
Kind, generous, loyal and caring are just some of the many attributes that he possessed. Throughout his life, he was always looking for ways to help those in need. It was through the tragic passing of his beloved granddaughter, Emma that he and his family began "Emma's Brunch". Each Easter the event is held in her memory and all proceeds benefit Boston Children's Hospital. To date it has raised over three hundred thousand dollars. Great memories were made with his close friends on the many trips to Ireland that he took during his lifetime. Family was of the utmost importance to him and he had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren and their yearly trips to Atlantis. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Many will miss him deeply but his legacy will be carried on by his family, including his wife of 45 years, Pamela J. (Bowie) Marrone; his children, Matthew J. Marrone and his wife Jamie, Cara F. Cullen and her husband Patrick, Michael J. Marrone and his wife, Evelyn and Nicholas D. Marrone; eleven grandchildren, Anthony, Andrew, Sam, Peter, Edith, Elizabeth, Lillian, Hannah, Sofia, Cami, Ryan; three sisters, Donna M. Lamphron, Patricia A. Marrone and Ann Marie Coffey and her husband, John. A sister, Diane L. Silva predeceased him.
Family and friends will honor, remember and celebrate his life by gathering on Sunday, November 26th from 2:00pm until 6:00pm at Wachusett Country Club, 187 Prospect St., West Boylston. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Monday, November 27th at Our Lady of Good Council Church, 111 Worcester St., West Boylston (PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO CHURCH). Burial will follow at Mount Vernon Cemetery. The family asks that flowers please be omitted and memorial donations may be made to the Emma Marrone Memorial Fund, c/o Wachusett Country Club, 187 Prospect St, West Boylston, 01583. Arrangements in the care of Fay Brothers Funeral Home, 1 West Boylston Street. For additional information or to place an online condolence, please visit:
www.faybrothers.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Marrone
Sponsored by Fay Brothers Funeral Home.
Lee Emmerton
November 16, 2024
Myself and others speak of you often while walking the fairways. You´re always there.
Lee Emmerton
Jennifer Willemin
November 21, 2017
Love you Uncle Donny. Thank you so much for always welcoming my family to your home. Your kindness has impacted our lives, more than you will ever know. Rest In Peace. Sending love from Texas
Bob & Jeanne Barton
November 22, 2017
Too Great a Loss for words.....Forever in our hearts and thoughts. Love Bob and Jeanne
Ed Poulin
November 26, 2017
We are all going to miss one of the friendliest, kindest, and most generous people ever.
REST IN PEACE, FRIEND
Charles & Laura Tangerini
November 26, 2017
Pam Very saddened and shocked to just hear of your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family love as always Charles
John Wilson
November 28, 2017
Dear Pam and family. I am deeply saddened to hear of Don's passing. He was such a great man and so very generous. He was always available to help his community and friends no matter what the need. The community has lost a great man. My thoughts and prayers go out to Pam and the family.
Marcia Bonci Amaral
November 28, 2017
Thoughts and prayers for Don's family at this most difficult time. I will be forever grateful for the opportunities Don extended to my son Matt so that he could work toward his goal in competitive golf at a very young age. Thank you Don. rest in peace.
Marcia Bonci Amaral
December 3, 2017
Dear Pam, Matt, Nick, Cara and Mike,
It is with great sadness that learned of Don's passing. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies as well as sympathies of all of the staff at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club. Don was a great friend, fellow Superintendent and most of all a kind and generous man. His contributions to the golf industry, especially the Golf Course Superintendents of New England as well as many charities were too large to measure. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Marrone family. May you find peace in all of the great memories that you have of Don.
Dick Zepp
Gino Silveri
December 1, 2017
Having only had the opportunity to play Wachusett C.C. on a handful of occasions, I did have the privilege of meeting Don in the tavern, after one of those rounds. Being a new face, he stopped to introduce himself and we exchanged pleasantries. It wasn't until I asked the bartender who he was that I knew he was the owner. Very humble guy. My condolences to your family for your heartbreaking loss.
Kevin Flynn
November 28, 2017
All of the Flynn family was saddened to hear of Dons passing. Our father Sheriff John "Mike" Flynn and our family, was lucky to have Don and his father as friends. We will forever remember all of the good times we had growing up and attending more parties and political functions over the last fifty years than any one can remember. In the end he was a "friend". The highest praise our father could bestow upon his fellow man. May your family find comfort and peace in knowing how much you meant to so many. Godspeed. Your job is done.
Ray & Shirley Chevalier
November 28, 2017
Pam and the entire Marrone family.We are so saddened by your loss of Donnie. He and the whole family were always so good to Shirley and I.Our memories of all the good times we had at the club. Don and your family always went all out to make sure all went as it should. Whether it was a wedding, a reunion, or just a family and friends get together. Donnie will always be remembered for all the good he has done for so many.
As you and yours continue your walk down the "Fairway of Life", may the good Lord bless the Marrone family.
Kama Jayne
November 28, 2017
To the Marrone Family -
Although words may fail us, our memories will forever bear witness to a man so deserving of our friendship, respect and gratitude.
With sincere condolences.
Anne Moliinari
November 28, 2017
We are very sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincere condolences. The love and support of a husband, father, grandfather, and friend can never be replaced, but we hope you find some strength, in the love and support of family and in the warm embrace of friends.
I worked ten wonderful years for Mr. Marrone JR.!
Michelle,Vin,Renee,Rachel FRAT ANTONIO
November 27, 2017
Great Neighbors & memories of snowmobiling with you and my father.Big George.When my mom roz didn't know where Dad was she would say he is with his other son Donny. WHEN WE TOLD HER YOU HAD DIED."SHE SAID: DOES YOUR FATHER KNOW?! That's how much She knew he thought of you. (85 BRAIN CANCER SURVIVOR) God Bless her.Dads been gone since 2003. Thank you So very much for helping mom with everything from snow to Moe, Much GRATITUDE.
NOW YOU EMMA,BIG GEORGE & DAMON, CAN TELL ST,PETER TO FIX UP A FEW THINGS. MAYBE EVEN APPROACH THE ALMIGHTY GOD HIMSELF ABOUT HOW THINGS ARE BEING RUN ABOUT THERE.
GODSPEED
Robert "Razz" Raslavsky
November 27, 2017
To All the Marrone Family, I am so heartbroken for your loss! Donnie was a Great Man, a Great Friend and a Truly Amazing Soul! I have always called Wachusett my "home course" and Donnie turned a great course into an even Better Course with all his hard work and love and care! Same as he did with his Family! As much as I always looked forward to playing Wachusett, I more so looked forward to seeing Donnie and catching up with him and sharing stories and laughing and just spending a little bit of his precious time with him! I will so miss seeing his smiling face and his zest for Family and Friends! The memories will Always Stay in my Thoughts and in my Heart! Heaven Has gained a New Angel (along side Emma!)!
Bob "Razz" Raslavsky
November 27, 2017
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Marrone Family. Donnie will be remembered for his dedication, work ethic and commitment to his family, community and to St. John's. Rest in peace and may God welcome you, Donnie, into His Heavenly Kingdom.
The Penny family,
Bob, Stephen, John, Tony, Richard
Ken Duquette
November 27, 2017
To The Marrone family. I am so sorry for your loss. Donnie was always good to me. When I took the General Managers job at Pine Ridge Country Club, Donnie told me "whatever help or advise you need just call me". It was always a joy to talk with him. He had some great stories about almost anything. He will be sorely missed. It was a honor to know him. We will always remember Don Marrone. "He was just a great guy".
November 27, 2017
Mike and Ellen Mulryan
Ron Law
November 27, 2017
Upon passing the club over the years , I can never remember seeing Donnie on a tractor , mowing, without his son in his lap. RIP
Nathan Hashway
November 26, 2017
My sincerest condolences to your family in this difficult time , many of my fondest memories are the times I have enjoyed at the club and with my dear friend Nicholas over the course of my life
November 26, 2017
Dear Anne and the Marrone Family,
I can't tell you how saddened and sorry I am to see that you have lost your brother, father.. and beloved family member. We have had some very nice high school reunions at the country club. My family always loved sledding there and feeling welcome. The Marrones have always been a very nice family.
May God bless you at this time and help you get through this difficult time together, especially the holiday season.
love,
Lauren Bay Baker
Durham NC
sally englund walker
November 26, 2017
my condolences to donna, patty, and Annmarie, and Donnie's family... a flood of memories of all of you come to me... I knew all of you since childhood.... tricia Russell told me about Donnie's passing... haven't seen any of you in yrs... Donnie was the little blonde kid !! I am so sorry
love
sally
Denise Fogarty
November 26, 2017
Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories!
With Sympathy,
JIM FORD
November 26, 2017
Dear Nick, Pam, Matt, Cara, Mike and Marone family,
I am so sad to hear of Donnie's passing. He was such a kind and generous man. The Wachusett Country Club was a big part of my childhood. It provided endless tubing and snowboarding adventures in the winter and kept me and my friends employeed during the summer. Donnie gave me one of my first and favorite jobs: Cart Boy / driving range picker. I really loved that job. I can always remember how hard he worked and how much he seemed to enjoy playing with his trucks. Anytime I got to talk to him he was always so classy and never aloof. My condolenses, he will be missed so much.
Thank you Donnie for all you have done. Whenever I drive home to visit my parents, I always enjoy taking the long way home.
Sincerely,
JIM
(former Cart Boy)
The Pavone Family
November 26, 2017
Our sincere condolences to the entire Marrone Family on the passing of their beloved Don. Don will certainly be missed because of his generosity and compassion for all, especially those in need. Don was one who could always be counted on to step-up to causes that affected others, including those he had never met. He was a renowned individual throughout his community, and we can all give thanks for what he has accomplished and shared; and remember, For as long as one is not forgotten, they are truly never gone.
November 26, 2017
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Rich Gebhardt
November 26, 2017
Our condolences to the Marrone Family. Our thoughts are with you.
Rich, Lori and Nicolas Gebhardt
The Darling Family
November 26, 2017
Our condolences to the Marrone Family. Donnie will be missed. Our thoughts are with you.
Sue and Jim Nolan
November 26, 2017
So sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Mary K Russell
November 26, 2017
The brother we never had. Donny, your kindness and love that you gave to our family, my parents , Bud and Kathie Russell ,most especially our mom will never be forgotten. You lit up her life every time she saw you. You always felt like you were the most important person in your life when we were with you.
Rest...keep us in your light....
Brendan Harney
November 25, 2017
Pam, Matt, Cara, Mike and Nick I was deeply saddened to hear of Donnie's passing. From the moment I was told and up until this writing he has been on my mind. I think of the kind things he has done for so many people and how he but his heart and soul into everything he did.
It will be very difficult,for me, when I visit Wachusett and not see my friend. His legacy will last forever through you and all his accomplishments.
Jim and Lisa Arnold
November 25, 2017
Our thoughts and sympathies go out to you - Pam, Matt, Cara, Mike and Nick (as well as your extended family). When I think of Donnie, his HUGE heart comes to mind first, both for his family and business. He loved his family so much and would do anything for you. While running the functions at Wachusett, I could see how much he loved helping people, especially for fundraisers or charity events from within the community. He would always look for ways to do something extra for these events, so generous. Donnie will be deeply missed.
Mike Germain
November 25, 2017
To the entire family, I wish to extend my condolences. Donnie was a great guy and did so much for both the community at large and the local golf community! He will be missed by so many. My thoughts are with all of you!
John Creelman
November 25, 2017
My sincere condolences to your family. Don left us much too soon! He was an old friend to me, Paul and Hank. What a great guy!
My deepest sympathy to you all.
Donna Antonopoulos
November 25, 2017
Donnie you will be missed. Gone too soon, you were a great boss to work for and I always looked forward to going to work for golf leagues or weddings. It was a great job raising a toddler. I know you will be missed by many. Rest In Peace.
Michael Looney
November 25, 2017
Dear Marrone Family,
I only met Donald once this past summer briefly playing Wachusett. He spoke glowingly about all the recent upgrades to the golf course, trips to Ireland, his friendship with Father Shea,and Saint Johns Joe Lane. His round against Julios Boros and more... Clearly he made the world a better place for those of us that love golf, food, humanity, and all the special gatherings created by Wachusett from his inspiration. What a great legacy what a profound loss to you all. Deepest condolences!
Mike Looney Jr.
St. Johns golf 1977-1979
Dick & Nancy Strniste
November 25, 2017
Please accept our sincere condolences. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Lydia Bogar
November 25, 2017
Patty, so sorry to hear of Donnie's passing. I remember that our little brothers were in the same class at Thorndyke. May God bless you with good memories.
Gary Orciani
November 25, 2017
Donnie, I will miss the projects and shop talk. Rest In Peace.
Gary @ Orciani Welding
Paul Spongberg
November 25, 2017
Marrone Family,
My sincerest condolences on the passing of Donny. May all of your good memories get you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May he Rest In Peace
Michael Doyle
November 25, 2017
Donny, you will be missed. We had some great times together in high school. Vaz and I talked about coming to visit you at Wachusett. God, I wish we had. Over the years, I thought of you often. Rest In Peace my friend.
The Ford Family
November 24, 2017
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Linda Ford
November 24, 2017
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
November 24, 2017
So sorry for your loss. Remember, you now have your own angel watching over you and yours. Talk to him every day. He's there for you.
Love and prayers, Mrs. B, SJHS
Plante Bill
November 24, 2017
Rest In Peace my friend. You were always a class act with a great family. Until we meet again.
Larry Bunn
November 24, 2017
My deepest sympathy to all the MARRONE family. As a former golf course superintendent and having been in sales for over 30 years calling on Don, Matt, Michael and Nick I can honestly say they have always been my favorite people. I admire the work they along with Cara do as a family as they offer the best product anywhere to people who visit WACHUSETTS whether it's golf, dining or a function. I will truly miss Don as we had many conversations during my visit to the club. May he rest in peace and God be with the family in these difficult times.
November 24, 2017
Pam , Matt, Cara, Mike and Nick and family members, we are so sorry for your loss..Donny did so much for me personally and my family and so many others. We will always have him in our hearts..I know how much he will be missed..thoughts and prayers to all of you..Chris Goodnow and family
Lisa Kittredge
November 24, 2017
Sending love to you Pam and kids - devastating loss he was such a great man. He will be missed by many - my heart goes out to your family.
Nathan Hashway
November 23, 2017
rest in peace.. my thoughts are with Pam and the rest of the family , the club and and the family have always been a source of comfort for me to this day
Kelly Mercer
November 23, 2017
Im so sorry to hear of Donalds passing
I bartended for him for years
RIP and God bless
Kelly A. Rosenlund Mercer
November 23, 2017
My name is jeff the memories are endless .l caddied their at 12 ,i also worked for donald and father sr wow great rememberance god bless the family
Paul Sullivan
November 23, 2017
Rest in Peace, my Friend
Love,
Sully
Anthony Petrone
November 23, 2017
Nick & Family,
I am very sorry. May our God guide you during these difficult times. May your dad Rest In Peace, where we know thru our faith, we all will be United one day.
November 23, 2017
Joseph Bosowski and his Siblings wish to express condolences to the Marrone family on the loss of Don. We will miss his trust,respect and friendship.
I am going to miss you "Big D'.
Lee Emmerton
November 23, 2017
Donald, you will be missed by all who knew you, and will always and frequently be remembered in our hearts. My condolences to the entire family.
Kim Strniste
November 23, 2017
To the Family
So sorry for your loss....Rest in Peace !
Hon. Dennis Brennan
November 23, 2017
Hon. Dennis Brennan extends his condolences to the Marrone family in this time of loss.
Irena Stumbras
November 23, 2017
So very sorry for your loss. May your memories sustain you in this most difficult time.
Cindy Hennessey
November 23, 2017
The Hennessey family has been neighbors to Wachusett Country Club since 1968. We have witnessed many celebrations including our wedding reception there 42 years ago. Donnie was there that day to make sure it went off beautifully! Over the years we have seen the growth and beauty of the club under the direction of Donnie and his family. We will miss coming over the hill and not seeing him operating the front loader or riding in the golf cart with his grandchildren in tow. A generous man to our community will be missed by all!
Cindy and Paul Hennessey and family
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