Antonio Marra
Antonio “Tony” Marra, age 85, of Chester Township, Ohio, passed peacefully into Spirit in the early morning hours of Monday, May 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family in the comfort of his home.
Beloved husband for 59 years of Anne (nee Karnok); loving father of Antonio Jr. (wife Kristine), Paul Christian, Charles (wife Traci), Michael Lazslo (fiancé Lizz Beltz), Stephen (fiancé Jonathon Seitz); devoted grandpa of Matthew Antonio; cherished son of the late Pompillio and Maria (nee Marra); dearest brother of John (wife Sandy), Alfanso (wife Joanne), Antoinette, Joseph (wife Michelle), Concetta “Connie” Skolyak and twins Mario and Flore (wife Maryann); dear uncle, great-uncle, cousin and friend of many.
Survived by his canine companions, Jasper and Wolfgang.
Born in Italy on July 7, 1940, Tony lived a life defined by hard work, resilience, humor, music and deep love for the people closest to him.
A lifelong landscaper, Tony spent decades creating beauty with his hands. Through flowers, trees, gardens and the nurturing of living things, he left quiet marks of beauty throughout the world around him. Nature was not simply something he worked with, it was where he felt most at peace. He found joy in wildlife, silence, reflection and the small treasures others often overlooked. He had a remarkable ability to see purpose and beauty in discarded things, carrying that same perspective into the way he lived his life.
Tony loved music deeply and was rarely far from his harmonica. Many in the community knew him as the man walking and playing music along the way, offering smiles, laughter, stories and conversation to anyone he met. He often spoke of wanting to write a song that everyone in the world would enjoy. Though he never learned to write music, perhaps in his own way, he spent his life creating one through the memories he left behind.
A natural storyteller, Tony had a way of turning everyday moments into colorful tales, often blending truth and embellishment so seamlessly that even those closest to him were left wondering where one ended and the other began. Like all great storytellers, what mattered most was never strict accuracy, but the feeling, humor and wonder he brought into the lives of others. One loved one affectionately described him as “The Most Interesting Man Alive” and anyone who knew him understands exactly why.
In his younger years, Tony enjoyed golfing, bowling in leagues and playing bocce, earning many trophies along the way.
He built a life through determination, strength and relentless devotion to providing for his family. Even into his eighties, he could still be seen carrying heavy tree trunks over his shoulder as though they weighed nothing at all. Though his gait slowed with age, his spirit never truly did.
He will be remembered for his music, his stories, his stubborn determination, his humor and the mysterious spark that made him uniquely himself. He kept everyone on their toes, whether they wanted that or not, and life will feel far quieter without him in it. When presented with a new idea or a moment of understanding, Tony would often smile and say, “Now you know.” Those who loved him carry those words with them now.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Tony to Treasured Memories Fund.
Prayers of Christian Burial Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 1 p.m., at the funeral home.
Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Tony following the service at The DeJohn Funeral Home & Celebrations Center of Chesterland, 12811 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 1:30-4 p.m.
Online obituary and guestbook at www.DeJohnCares.com.
