Dr. Richard Mario Marasco, 79, of Manning, South Carolina died Friday, June 5 at Massachusetts General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He had come to Boston for treatment of cancer.
Born in Rochester, NY, on September 19, 1935, he was the son of the late Biagio and Maria Concelia (Coppeta) Marasco.
Richard attended The Albany College of Pharmacy of Union University, during which time he met his wife Dolores. He graduated in 1957, and supported himself as a pharmacist as he attended the University of Buffalo Dental School. His friends recall him as an athlete, jokester and scholar, contributing to winning scores, nightlife and study groups with a smile on his face. He made life fun. He and Dolores married in 1959 in a beautiful wedding in Center Moriches, Long Island, New York with both families in attendance.
Following his graduation from dental school in 1961, Richard served as a dentist in the United States Army at Fort Dix, New Jersey, taking care of soldiers who were leaving to serve in the United States Forces in Korea.
After an honorable discharge from the Army, Richard moved with his family to Patchogue, New York, and established his private dental practice. He loved the practice of dentistry, and chatting with his patients as they came to have their teeth fixed. He knew some of his patients' families for generations.
Richard retired after 43 years and moved with his wife first to Wolcott, NY and then to Manning, South Carolina, making new friends along the way.
Richard achieved a balance in life that most only dream of. He was an avid fisherman, golfer and hunter, and enjoyed boating and beach time with his family. He played softball with the Silver Streaks into his 60’s, and played golf and fished until illness prevented it. He enjoyed life to the fullest and loved his family with all his heart.
He is survived by his wife Dolores, his son Richard Marasco, his wife Lezlie and their son Grayson, of Valdosta, Georgia, and his daughter Lorraine Marasco Schratz, her husband Regis and their children, Regis, Michael, Daniel, Gina and Thomas of Franklin, Massachusetts. He is also survived by his sister Pauline Saraco of Florida.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 9 at the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 131 Main Street, Franklin, at 9:00 AM followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary‘s Church at 10:00 a.m.
Burial will be held later in the summer at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Center Moriches, New York.
In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Thyroid Head & Neck Cancer Foundation www.thancfoundation.org or to the charity of your choosing.