John A. Marrotta

John Alphonse Marrotta departed this world for eternal peace and paradise on March 31, 2024, from his cherished community in Jupiter, Florida. A committed man of faith, his unexpected passing on Easter Sunday, the holiest of days, is a testament to the purity of his soul and close communion with God. John’s life began on July 22, 1937, in Long Branch, New Jersey as the second of four children and sole brother to three sisters he profoundly adored. The loss of John’s father at the age of 12 from a tragic fire, which shaped him into the strong, sensitive, and supportive man he was not only to his mother and sisters but also to the countless aunts, uncles and cousins whom he lived alongside in his youth.

His stories of life on Jeffrey Street colored our worlds with memories of times gone by, when possessions were spare but family was abundant. John would certainly tell you his happiest days were spent raising his family and later his grandchildren with the love of his life Gina, who he met on the beach in Sea Bright in 1956.

Throughout his life he became a father of four, grandfather of ten, and a friend to all. He wore many hats, and bore many names: Father, Brother, Daddy, Uncle John, JohnJohn, Mr. Marrotta, and best of all, simply “Pop.”

John spent his days as a meter technician at Jersey Central Power & Light and his nights making pizzas to support his family. In his limited free time he bowled in a league with his Belford friends on a team whose name has been withheld for the sake of John and the team’s esteemed reputation.  

A famously hard worker, Pop never truly retired. When his JCP&L days concluded, he started a painting business with a dear friend, and painted schools and houses well into his eighties. Up until his very last days, he worked as a ranger at Jupiter Dunes Golf Course.

He had a lifelong affinity for sports, from his days playing soccer and basketball at Long Branch High School, to coaching youth sports, to his travelling bocce league in retirement and of course, his love of golf. As a little league baseball, basketball, and soccer coach he left an indelible mark on the lives of countless children whom he not only taught how to play, but also imparted his love of the game. In retirement, he achieved legend status at the golf course as a Jupiter Dunes Bandit for two decades, making nine career hole-in-ones. He gained notoriety for his knack for finding golf balls, which he collected in his shed to the tune of thousands. He cleaned them up, organized them into egg cartons, labeled them and saved them for his family, friends, and anyone he met who answered yes to his favorite question: “You play golf?”

A prolific jokester, to know Pop was to be teased by him. His good-natured kidding spared no one, whether neighbors, coworkers, strangers nor friends.

He treasured his family above all else and placed no value in material possessions – Pop’s only wish was to be surrounded by family and spend time with those he held dear. Adored by his children and many grandchildren, he put them first in everything he did, and maintained a special and unbreakable bond with each and every one of them. His legacy of faith and love lives on in those he leaves behind, especially his devoted wife of 63 years, Virginia “Gina” Marrotta, whom he lovingly referred to as “my bride” well into their final days together.

His memory also carries on in his four children and their families: His eldest son, Joseph Marrotta, his daughter-in-law Denise Marrotta of Hampstead, NC, and granddaughters Marlee Caregnato and Rena Marrotta; his younger son and namesake John Marrotta, daughter-in-law Laurie Marrotta of Oceanport, their four children Katie Erbe, TJ Carton, Nicholas and Jake Marrotta, and two great-grandchildren Teddy and Wyatt Erbe; his oldest daughter Donna Walters of West Long Branch and her children Taylor and Cooper Walters; his youngest daughter Gina Onesti and son-in-law Ernie Onesti of Farmingdale, and their two children Ernie Onesti Jr. and Christopher Onesti. He’s also survived by his loving sister, Raffella Graziano, and her family. In leaving this world behind, John is now reunited with his sisters whom he has missed so dearly and who were taken too soon from him here on Earth, Patricia “Patti” Cataldo and Barbara Jean “Bobbi” Fischer, and his beloved parents Patrick and Amelia “Millie” Marrotta.

To everyone whose life he touched, John was ever reliable, the first to show up to help with anything that needed doing with a willing heart and able body. The embodiment of “Whistle While You Work,” his life emulated the words of John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” To be in his presence was to feel weightless, joyful, and incredibly special. Seldom bothered, always content, and ever grateful, John was fulfilled by the blessings life afforded him, never wanting or asking for more. We will remember his patience, his mischievous smile, and the warmth of his loving touch with longing.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at Damiano Funeral Home in Long Branch, NJ with visitation on Wednesday, April 10th, from 4-8 PM, and funeral service at 10:30am on Thursday, April 11th, where he will be laid to rest at Woodbine Mausoleum followed by a repast at On the Deck in Atlantic Highlands, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association and/or Tunnels to Towers. To honor John’s legacy, we urge you to call your loved ones regularly, and never miss an opportunity to tell them “I love you.”

The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.

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