Thomas “Thom” Bert Marra passed into the arms of his loving Savior on October 28, 2026, after a lifetime of faithful service to God, his family, and his community. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Lorraine Marra; son and daughter-in-law, James and Alyssa Marra; daughter, Ann Samperio; sister, Mary Beth Kelley; and grandsons, Alexander and Gabriel. He is predeceased by his parents, Vic and Beth Marra; siblings, Edward and Joan Marra; son-in-law, Alberto Samperio; and granddaughters, Vivienne and Isabella.

Thom was born in Webster, NY, the second youngest of four. He later moved to Buffalo where he met his wife and raised his two children. He began his career as a chemist before earning an MBA and working for many years in quality control. He later became a certified Sig Sigma Black Belt consultant who worked with numerous companies on organization and process improvement.

He loved nature. Thom’s enthusiasm for the great outdoors began in his youth growing up on a farm and camping as a boy scout, where his dedication earned him the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout. He was happiest when surrounded by God’s creation, whether running marathons in his younger years, quiet mornings sitting on his deck watching the sun rise, afternoons spent at the golf course, or long walks in the evening around the neighborhood with his wife. In recent years, he cultivated a perennial garden in his backyard, taking pride in the variety of flowers that bloomed throughout the seasons.

He loved Buffalo. And not just the sports teams. Thom could often be seen wearing hats and jackets representing various aspects of the city. Driving around town, he had an extraordinary ability to recall the story behind almost any building, landmark, or historical figure. His daughter affectionately referred to these drives as “Thom’s Tours.” Building his life in and around the “City of Good Neighbors,” Thom was a good neighbor himself. He had a servant’s heart and generous spirit, always happy to go out of his way to help someone. He kept homemade blessing kits in his car for the homeless, which included food, gift cards, directions to shelters, and Gospel tracts, along with a note that said he was praying for them. He had a passion for mental health, volunteering as a mentor through Compeer, and serving as President of the Board for Christian Counseling Ministries of Western New York. He never tired of the Buffalo winters, often exclaiming, “beautiful weather!” with a smile to neighbors while digging out from snowstorms. He frequently said, “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.”

He loved his family. Thom would leave Post-it notes all over the house for his wife with words of affection and encouragement. One of her favorites said, “I may play a lot of golf, but my first love is you!” He was an active and devoted father, serving as coach for his son’s little league baseball team, and even converting a backyard vegetable garden into a pitching mound so they could practice together as pitcher and catcher. His children fondly remember the time spent with him in his basement workshop, where he shared his knowledge of machinery, tools, and woodworking. Thom was always there for his children, lending a helping hand with projects, and offering a listening ear and a steady source of strength as they navigated life’s challenges. He delighted in his grandchildren and cherished the time they spent together, whether taking them to the pool and parks, playing games, or showing them his HO model train collection.

He loved the Lord. Thom was an unashamed follower of Christ, always eager to share the message of God’s love with anyone he met. His relationship with his Lord and Savior was the driving force of his life since he was a teen. He faithfully got up every morning at 5am for his hour of “quiet time” with the Lord, where he dedicated himself to Scripture study and prayer before getting ready for the day. In recent years, he turned his morning reflections into daily devotionals, which he shared with a mailing list of family members, friends, and people he met in his everyday travels. He was highly involved with his church, The Chapel, for nearly 40 years, where he demonstrated to his children the importance of honoring “the Lord’s Day,” and where he was committed to various ministries including serving as a Biblical Counselor. For the better part of a decade, he very fittingly portrayed the Apostle John, the “Beloved Disciple,” in the church’s annual Easter Passion Play. Just as John was the only one of the twelve disciples who did not abandon his Master during the Passion, so too Thom remained steadfast in his faith and close to his Savior as he suffered his own passion in the final weeks of his life.

He loved. Perhaps this sums up Thom’s life best of all. May his legacy of love endure in the hearts of all who knew him, and may the Lord greet him at heaven’s gate with the words he so often quoted, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Come, share your master’s joy.”

Relatives and friends may visit The Chapel at Crosspoint, 500 Crosspoint Pkwy, Getzville, NY on Thursday, November 5 from 9-11 AM where a funeral service will immediately follow at 11 o'clock.