Robert Allen Marra, of Bridgeport, WV, who was known as Bob, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2014 while celebrating his life with his family and loved ones around him. He was born on August 1, 1933, in Brownton, the son of the late Frank and Maria (Mary) Morasco Marra, who immigrated to WV from San Giovanni, Italy.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Constance Minard Marra, in 1998.
His surviving family members include his son Robert A. Marra II and wife Diana of Bridgeport, WV; daughters MaryRose Sirianni and husband George of Tallahassee, Florida and Jolynn Marra, Charleston, WV. Bob is also survived by his three older brothers, Louis “Jiggs” Marra of Flemington, WV, Joseph Marra of Manassas, VA, Sammie Marra of Bridgeport, WV and sister, Lucy Marra Grady of Bethesda, MD. He has three grandchildren, Anthony, Marra, and Ross; his companion of 15 years, Marie Whitehair of Bridgeport, WV; and many nieces and nephews, whom he loved and cared for deeply.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters, Rose Lee Marra Tait, Daisy Marra Vukovich, Velma Marra Infante, Anna Marra Amoroso, and Virginia Marra Meyers.
Bob graduated from Philippi High School. He began school at West Virginia University and shortly after went to serve in the US Army, stationed at Fort Myer, VA and Aberdeen, MD. During the late 1950’s, Bob co-owned the popular Willow Beach dinner and dance club in Clarksburg, WV. He worked for his father’s coal company, Marra Coal Company. The company became the Marra Brother’s Coal Company when it was passed down to Bob and his brothers, where he worked until the mine closed. He officially retired from the local Labor Union in the mid 1990’s.
Bob was an avid sports fan, especially WVU and Bridgeport sports. His tailgating foods were impressive, with only his infamous apron stealing the show. He was charismatic and had a sense of humor that blended perfectly with his full of life personality. Bob attended every wedding, graduation, birthday, and sporting event that he possibly could to support and celebrate his family. Many, whether related or not, referred to him as “Uncle Bob” or “Big Bob”. His signature dance was the Tarantella, always waving his handkerchief in the air. He also enjoyed showering wedding couples with coins in order to orchestrate the Money Dance for good luck.
Bob loved being part of a large Italian family and enjoyed talking about his family traditions. He took great pride in knowing that his many cookies, including his pita piatas, and his hot peppers were loved by all. He was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Bridgeport, and served as an usher for many years. Regardless of how many were sitting in the row already, Bob could always seem to seat one more.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to All Saints Church or People’s Hospice.

Family and friends will be received at All Saints Catholic Church, 317 E. Main Street, Bridgeport on Monday from 2:00-8:00 p.m., where the Vigil Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 25 at 10:00 am with Father V. Cann as Celebrant. Interment will be in Bridgeport Cemetery, and Military Funeral Honors will be accorded.