Samuel S. Marra , age 88 of Homer City , (Center Twp.) passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2016, i n Indiana Regional Medical Center surrounded by loving family.

He was born in 1927, in Aultman to Pasquale and Catherine (Rowe) Marra.

As a trumpet player from the age of four, he continued his love of music by serving in the US Army during WWII as a trumpet player.

Sam was an active member of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Kent, the Indiana Pops Concert Band, the Director of the Sammy Ray Dance Band, and served on the Homer Center School Board.

Prior to retirement Sam was an instructor at Indiana County Vocational Technology Center , and Lenape Vocational School in Ford City . He had also worked at Caratelli Rambler , Kent . Additionally, he was owner/operator of Sam's Auto Body, Homer City .

Sam loved raising his Beagles, small game and deer hunting. He also loved sports, especially cheering on the Homer Center Wildcats, and the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates. He was also a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He had a strong faith in God. Family and Church were the mainstays of his life.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Anthony Marra, and two sisters, Catherine Baratta and Angeline Kucharski.

Sam is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Louise Caratelli Marra, Homer City; one son, Samuel A. Marra and wife Susan of Homer City; one daughter, Cathy Bonarrigo and husband Nicholas of Homer City; one brother, Frank C. Marra and wife Mary of Toms River, NJ; five grandchildren, Craig and Michele, Nicole and Ernie, Marisa and Ethan, Chris and Amy, and Amanda and Justin; eight great grandchildren, Nick, Emma, Isabella, Ava, Fallon, Hailey, Abraham, and Jordan; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Friends will be received on Thursday, from 2 to 7 P.M. at the Bowser-Minich Funeral Home , Indiana . A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday at 11 A.M. at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Kent. Interment will be made in the Iselin Union Cemetery . Graveside military honors will be provided by the VFW Post #1989.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Sam's name to the VNA of Indiana County, 850 Hospital Rd., Suite 3000 , Indiana, PA 15701; or the Church of the Good Shepherd, PO Box 99 , Kent , PA 15752 .

.