Joseph V. Marra, D.D.S., 86, of Lewiston, NY died on Monday October 12, 2009 at Niagara Hospice House in Lockport, NY. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Orlando and Santa (Micale) Marra.

A lifelong resident of the Niagara Falls area, Dr. Marra attended local schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School. He also attended Niagara University majoring in pre dental and later earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Buffalo School of Dentistry in 1946. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a Captain from 1946 until his honorable discharge in 1949. On October 6, 1956 he married Beverly A. (Smith) Marra at Sacred Heart Church in Niagara Falls.

Dr. Marra practiced dentistry in the Niagara Falls area for over fifty years including thirty years with his brother Orlando Marra, D.D.S. He was also on the staff at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, NY. Dr. Marra was a member and served as former president of the Niagara County Dental Society and was the founding director of the Migrant Workers Dental Clinic for Niagara County. He also had memberships in various other dental societies including the American Dental Society, the New York State Dental Society and the New York State Academy of Dental Practice and Administration and served as chairman of the United Fund's Dental Division. Dr. Marra also actively participated in local organizations including being a founder and director of the DeVeaux Coordinating Committee Youth Program, St. Teresa of the Infant Jesus Church as well as serving on their parish council. Dr. and Mrs. Marra were instrumental in bringing the Montessori program to Niagara County. His favorite pastimes included the horse races, baseball and boxing. He was also an outstanding cook. Dr. Marra's generosity to Catholic Education, Catholic Charities, St. Jude Shrine and many other organizations served to enhance the lives of many.

In addition to his wife of fifty three years, Dr. Marra is survived by ten children Orlando A. (Marnie) Marra, Esq. of Dunwoody, GA; Catherine E. Marra, Esq. (Michael Caballero) of Lewiston, NY; Edward L. (Deanna) Marra, D.M.D. of Batavia, NY; Anne (Michael) Orenstein, Esq.of Hollywood, FL; Joseph V. (Susan) Marra of Lewiston, NY; Judith M. Marra of New York City, NY; Michael J. (Laura) Marra of Lewiston, NY; Maria T. (Erik) Jobson of Orchard Park, NY; JoAnne M. (Jeffrey) Moll, M.D. of Marble, PA and Robert M. Marra, Esq. of Lewiston, NY; twenty one grandchildren, one brother Orlando A. Marra, D.D.S. of Niagara Falls, NY; one sister Anna Mae Rotella of Lewiston, NY and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by one brother Albert L. Marra.

Friends may call on Thursday from 3 – 8 p.m. at the M.J.COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday October 16th at 10:30 a.m. in St. Peter's Church, 620 Center Street, Lewiston, NY with Rev. Roy Herberger and Rev. Sebastian Pierro officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094.