Thomas R. "Tom" Marrotta, Sr.

UTICA – Mr. Thomas R. “Tom” Marrotta, Sr., age 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 21, 2026, with his loving family surrounding his bedside. Born in Utica on July 22, 1936, Thomas was the son of the late Frank and Kathryn (Sisti) Marrotta. He was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School, Class of 1955. Tom was proudly part of the “Proctor Boys,” a lifelong dedication to friendship and camaraderie that remained important throughout his life. He also attended Mohawk Valley Community College. Tom honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 to 1957 at Camp Lejeune. Following his time in service, he continued his dedication to his country by serving in the United States Army Reserves at the Elihu Root U.S. Army Reserve Center. On Friday the 13th of March 1998, Tom married Karen (Kraeger) Dickenson, with whom he shared 28 wonderful years. Tom was a loving and kind man who brought great happiness to Karen and carried the values of being a good natured and gentle man throughout their relationship. Tom’s career brought him to many places and reflected his strong work ethic and dedication. After serving in the Marines, he returned to Utica where he was employed with RCA and was assigned to the radar defense bases in Greenland and Alaska where he remained for several years before continuing his employment with RCA in Rome. Upon leaving RCA, he managed Rome Electronics and subsequently Rome Electronicn’s Utica branch of Lafayette Radio on Oriskany Boulevard. The business was purchased by Seiden Sound, and he managed that location for several years before purchasing the business and operating it as Tomar Electronics. Tom later relocated to Oswego, where he worked for the Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation as a grounds manager, the position from which he retired. Upon returning home, he became Supervisor of the Buildings for the City of Utica, engaging in a second retirement in 1996. With time on his hands, he came to know his neighbors especially Kim “Sully” Sullivan and her wife Brandi and Jess, more intimately and was bestowed the honorary title of “Mayor of Guelich St.” With a deep commitment to the local community, Tom served as Secretary-Treasurer for the Utica Center for Development, where he remained dedicated to supporting fellow veterans. At one time, he was a devoted member of the Holy Name Society at St. Anthony’s Church and volunteered regularly at Friday Fish Fries and the annual Saints Cosmas and Damian Feast, and the annual parish feast where he especially enjoyed the pizza fritta. Until recently, Tom remained actively involved with the Herkimer County Detachment Marine Corps League, serving as Jr. Vice Commandant. He was also devoted to scholarship funds benefiting the children and grandchildren of veterans, as well as Toys for Tots, a cause especially close to his heart. Tom truly lived by the words, “Once a Marine, always a Marine,” and wholeheartedly dedicated himself to the causes he believed in. Tom was a determined man who always hoped to make a difference, particularly within the political arena. Passionate about civic involvement, he encouraged others to vote, participate, and work toward positive change within the community. At the center of Tom’s heart were children and family. He found tremendous joy in children and was lovingly known as “Grandpa,” “Poppy,” or “Uncle Tom” to many special children throughout his life. Tom also had a deep love for animals. He had three felines, but his beloved cat, Salem, was especially affectionate. He also took enjoyment in walking with his grand dog, Subi, a large black Labrador, and his daughter Laureen, around Proctor Park. Tom was respectful, funny, compassionate, and determined. Everything he did carried energy and purpose because, to Tom, every moment meant something and tomorrow was never promised. It was at The Moose Club where Tom met Karen, and together they enjoyed dancing on Saturday nights, sharing many wonderful memories and smooth moves on the dance floor. He loved people and truly enjoyed being part of the community. Tom was an engaging conversationalist, knowledgeable on many subjects, and someone others naturally gravitated toward. Tom enjoyed participating in the Co-Ed Dart League at the Rutger Restaurant and the Pitch League at the Whitesboro Veterans Club. He loved reading newspapers from beginning to end and especially enjoyed salmon fishing in Oswego-with a long-time friend, Hank Ceminaro proudly catching fish weighing five to eight pounds and having them prepared to perfection. His family also has fond memories of the years spent at White Lake and Canandarago Lake. Everything Tom did, he did with passion. He enjoyed scratch-off lottery tickets and found tremendous joy in life’s simple pleasures. Above all, his grandchildren meant the world to him. Tom knew the Lord and attended Mass with great devotion. He was a communicant of St. Mary of Mount Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Tom is survived by his devoted wife, Karen; and his children and their spouses, Frank and Philomena Marrotta, Thomas “Tom” Marrotta, Jr. and his husband, Glenn Marrotta-Kakely, Laureen and Dennis Violante, Elizabeth “Lisa” and John Crowe, Michael Marrotta, Stephen Marrotta and Megan and Noel Marrotta and her husband, Peter Bosckor. Additionally, Tom loved Karen’s children as his own, Kimberly Dickenson and Brenda Dickenson and Justin Kelly. He was a proud grandpa to Rufus and Julia Casaletta, Frank Marrotta, Jr. and Alexis Mender; Joei and Joe Healy, David Marrotta and Laura, Michael Marrotta; Joshua Violante, Michael Violante, Carly Violante, and Dominick Thomas Violante; John II and Elizabeth Crowe, Nicholas Crowe, and Gina Crowe; Ashley Marrotta, and Lindsey Marrotta; Jonathan Marrotta, and Teresa Marrotta. He was a loving Poppy to Danielle Dickenson and Angelina Mancuso, Gabrielle Noti along with twins Kathryn Noti, and Juliana Noti. Tom was also blessed with several great-grandchildren; sisters, Elaine Johnson (the late Don Johnson), Dorothy Loucks (the late Frank Loucks); and brother and sister-in-law, Frank T. and Roberta Marrotta. Tom treasured the memories of his sister and brother-in-law, Maria and Daniel Trunfio, who preceded him. He is further survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; cousins, especially Art and Donna Nole, and Jason and Dean Nole; and sister-in-law, Debbie Kraeger. Tom had been blessed with a great number of friendships throughout his life, especially with Bob and Nick Giglio, Kenneth (Gene) Dickenson, whose friendship and support meant so much to him. He was fortunate to have had a dear long-term friend, the late Vinny Pristera. Tom also lovingly embraced Vinny’s family as his own, including Denise and Jim Giruzzi, became “Uncle Tom” to Danielle and Ryan McEwen, and twins Robert and Giuliana McEwen. Tom was the last of the coffee group who met at the iconic Marr Logg Restaurant, you could always count on seeing him with his late buddies, Tommy Larken, Russ Ceminaro, and Vinny Pristera. He also remembered his beloved friend and comrade, Tony “Click” Collicco. Tom was truly one of the last of the “good old boys.” He was additionally preceded by his nephews, David, and Don Johnson. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the physicians and staff in the IMC Unit at Wynn Hospital and the physicians and Staff of the 6th Floor East. Thanks as well to the Aspen Unit at the Lutheran Home who were outstanding, showed generosity, compassion, and were truly fantastic during their limited time together; and his personal physician, Dr. Toby Taylor, and his nurse, Dyan, VA Rome Clinic nurse Shannon and Rick who always made a special effort to make his appointments to fit Tom’s schedule. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Thomas’ honor may be made to the Herkimer County Marine Corps League Scholarship Fund, by mail to 178 Second St., Ilion, NY 13357; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Thomas’ Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St. Interment with Military Honors conferred by the U.S. Marine Corps will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. “Semper Fi”

Thomas R. "Tom" Marrotta, Sr.

July 22, 1936 - May 21, 2026