Cosimo R. Marra

Plaistow, NH: Cosimo R. Marra, 84, of Plaistow and formerly of Merrimac, MA, died August 14, 2014 at the Lawrence General Hospital.

Born in Boston, MA, son of the late Cosimo and Rosaria (DeVito) Marra, he was raised and educated in the Allston and Brighton neighborhoods. He left home at an early age and joined the Wringling Brother Circus working as a rigger and enjoyed the camaraderie of the circus family. Mr. Marra served in the United States Army and was employed for many years as a truck driver for the former Burrells Express.

He was a member of the Wilbur M. Comeau Post of the American Legion, Local 25 of the Teamsters Union, the St. James Club, and the Retired Teamsters Members Association.

He is survived by his loving wife, Janet (Smallidge) Marra, his devoted children, John E. Ryan, Jr. and his wife Katie of Haverhill, Pam Page and her husband Mike of Amesbury, Joanne Hamel and her husband Gene of Amesbury, Barbara Ryan of Plaistow, Jennifer Borden of Haverhill, and Heidi Voulgaris and her husband Peter of Haverhill, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Christopher "Chuck" Ryan, and grandson, Brandon Croteau.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Graveside Service on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 11 a.m. in Locust Grove Cemetery, Merrimac, MA. Donations in his name may be made to the Plaistow Firemen's Association, Elm Street, Plaistow, NH 03865. Arrangements are under the direction of Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main Street, Route 121A, Plaistow, NH. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website, www.brooksidechapelfh.com.