Walter J. "Walt" Marrotta, Jr.

Mr. Walter J. “Walt” Marrotta, Jr., age 58, of Whitesboro, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 17, 2011 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, with the love and support of his family. Walter was born in Utica on November 27, 1952, the only son of Walter Marrotta. He also knew the love and guidance of his grandmother, Goruzza, and his aunts, Elvira and Nettie. Raised and educated locally, he was a 1971 graduate of T.R. Proctor High School, and he furthered his education in the area of Business Administration. On April 23, 1977 he married the former Zaffa A. George with whom he shared 34 years; Walt was Zaffa’s rock and best friend through thick and thin, and they truly knew each other’s desires and helped each other to achieve their life’s accomplishments. Walt had an admirable and worthy work ethic, and he was a jack and master of all his trades and endeavors. In his youth, he managed the Madison Bowling Alley and Vista Lanes. He also established a local roofing company and operated the Green Thumb Gardens and Florist. Currently, he was employed by Price Chopper Supermarket in Oneida where he worked as the Produce Manager, a position at which he was proficient and making great strides professionally. But in his most important job as a father, he could be characterized as an awesome and genuine role model, a best friend, and a mentor. He shaped the life of his son with the strength of his love and he was always physically and spiritually present for his son and his family with support and encouragement. Best of all, his eyes gleamed and his heart heaved with the affection he held for his grandson --- to see his son’s son was one of the greatest accomplishments of his life. A kind and comical soul, he was respectful of all his relationships and was affectionately known to this very day as “Baby Walter” to those who loved him most. Everything was always about the well-being of his “family” who knew his love, support, comfort of his home, and goodness of his heart. He was a graceful ballroom dancer with his partner, Zaffa, and for those who knew him best, a scotch and a cigar got him in the mood for friendship and good conversation. As a sports enthusiast, he was a loyal fan of the New York Giants, loved the game of golf, and performed his duties as a boxing referee for many years, inspired by Tony Filipelli. He was a parishioner of St. Louis Gonzaga Church. Walt is survived by his wife, Zaffa; his son and daughter-in-law, Walter A. and Jill Marrotta of Wake Forest, North Carolina; his grandson, Luca Marrotta, to whom he was ‘Poppie’; his father, Walter J., Sr.; and his father-in-law, Anthony George, with whom he shared many good years. Also left to mourn his passing are his in-laws, Rosann George, Edward and Pam George, Jeanette George, Maria George and Rachael, and Tina and Dave McCoy; many aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He was blessed with many true and fun-loving friends with special mention of his ‘golf family’ and then some … He was predeceased by his mother-in-law, Lucille George, who will welcome him home and continue to love him as a son. The kindness and compassion of the physicians and nursing staff at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center ER and Heart Lab were of much comfort. The outpouring of support from family, friends, and clergy, especially Chorbishop John D. Faris and Deacon Paul Salamy, and all of their many acts of kindness will be etched in the family’s hearts. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The Prayer of Incense will be offered at 7:30 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Walter’s Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed which will commence on Tuesday morning at 11:00 at St. Louis Gonzaga Church, celebrated by Chorbishop John Faris and Deacon Paul Salamy. Committal prayers and interment will follow graveside in Calvary Cemetery.

Walter J. "Walt" Marrotta, Jr.

November 27, 1952 - June 17, 2011