Jacob "Jake" Marra, 98, WWII Army veteran, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2025, at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. Born in the small town of Volturara Irpina, Italy, on July 2, 1926, Jake was the beloved son of Filomena Frappaolo and Joseph Marra. In May of 1938, at the age of 11, he immigrated to America with his father to escape conscription into Mussolini's army.

As a young boy, he worked alongside his father raising chickens and selling eggs in Rosaryville, Maryland. Known for his resilience, he survived being struck by lightning twice—an event which became a family legend, earning him the affectionate warning not "to stand too close to Uncle Jake during a storm."

During World War II, Jake honorably served as an Army policeman in the Bahamas. After leaving the service, he worked for many years as a delivery driver for the Tilghman family in Croom, MD, and later in La Plata, MD. A longtime resident of La Plata Manor, he was a familiar face at The Pancake House, Marie's Diner, and Martins Service Station. One of the highlights of Jake's adult life was visiting his hometown of Volturara Irpina, Italy, with his two brothers, to reunite with their sister and meet their extended Italian family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Rosa Marra Candela, his sisters-in-law Betty Lou Procopio Marra and Rose Sauer Marra, and his nephew Michael Marra. He is survived by his brothers, Anthony Marra and Julio Marra, as well as his nieces and nephews: Linda Sepanski (James), Steve Marra, Dennis Marra (Ellen), and Mark Marra (Kim) and Alfonso Marra (Laura). He is also survived by many great-nieces and great-nephews who will cherish his memory.

Jake was a kind and gentle man who loved being with his family and friends. In his final years, Jake was cared for with love and respect at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, for which his family is deeply grateful. A private service will be held at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery to honor his life and service.