Gene Marotta

Gene Marotta, 77, passed away on October 24 at his home in Streetsboro.

Loving and devoted father of Dina Lynn McCrone, Carrie Marie Marotta and Michelle Ann Marotta.

Beloved son of Anthony and Marietta (nee Saracino) Marotta (both deceased). Loving brother of Joseph Marotta (deceased), Lois DiFranco (husband Remo), and Patricia Pearl (husband Bruce Michael, deceased). Dear uncle of six, grand-uncle of eight and great grand-uncle of three.

Gene was born on November 17, 1945 in Cleveland. He was a graduate of Mayfield High School and attended many high school reunions. From 1961-1971 he was the well-known drummer and background singer in Joey & the Continentals (later known as   The GTO’s and then Montage), cutting several hit records and at one point playing 47 straight weekends at different high schools. They were the house band on the popular “Upbeat Show” which was nationally syndicated. When he finished high school, Gene went to barber college. He barbered during the week and would play in the band in the evenings and on weekends.

Gene was a true entrepreneur, owning his own insurance agency before transitioning into car sales. He was also educated as a court stenographer, though he decided not to pursue it. He took classes for TV repair and opened his own shop, Marotta Electronics. In his later years, Gene worked for the Cleveland Clinic and Quest Diagnostics.

He had a penchant for taking on new hobbies to challenge himself. For many years, he was a power boater. He preferred the character of old wooden Chris Craft boats and spent many a summer day repairing and refinishing them to bring them back to their former glory. He was an avid crossword puzzle-solver and was among the few who could work a New York Times puzzle with a pen rather than a pencil. He was a self-taught woodworker, making tables and chairs, kitchen utensils, lamps, jewelry boxes and other small items that he sold online through Etsy. He had a passion for cooking. Among many of his best dishes was a “killer” chili recipe, and his sister referred to him as the “Casserole King.” He even made his own bagels that rivaled Bruegger’s. His newest hobby was painting portraits and still life’s, which he taught to himself by watching many different artists’ videos online. He was surprised when he realized he had some talent and wished he had started sooner. He had a lifelong passion for learning. He was truly skilled. He dedicated the time and effort that was necessary to learn and taught himself by reading books, taking classes, watching television shows and You Tube videos on the subject(s) of his interest.

Gene enjoyed Sunday football, a nice scotch on the rocks, catching up with friends, holidays (especially Thanksgiving), and most of all, he loved to be with family. He had a lot of pride and didn’t often ask for help, though he was always ready to help everyone else in whatever way he was able, whether it was to paint their house, install tile or carpet, fix a broken (something), or simply to lend an ear. He liked history, stayed current on world events, and often wished his siblings and daughters agreed with his political views. He was funny; he used humor to bring you up if you were feeling down, and he’d blurt out silly things to make you smile naturally just seconds before the camera flashed.

This is how we, who loved him hope you will remember him.

FUNERAL SERVICE 6:45 PM  THURSDAY, NOVEMBER  9th at THE FIORITTO FUNERAL HOME 5236 MAYFIELD ROAD, LYNDHURST, 44124   (EAST OF RICHMOND ROAD) WHERE FRIENDS MAY CALL  FROM 5-7 PM

TO READ AN ARTICLE ON JOEY & THE CONTINENTALS CLICK LINK:   https://www.buckeyebeat.com/joeycon.html