Michael H. Marr

Michael H. Marr, 72, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at his home in Walpole, Massachusetts, after a courageous battle with hepatocellular carcinoma.  He was the youngest child of the late Laura (Potenza) MacQuarrie and the late Henry Marr. Born on October 11, 1949, he spent his early years in East Boston, surrounded by his large Italian family.  He then relocated to Salem, Massachusetts, with his mother and the late Charles J. MacQuarrie, his stepfather and role model during his formative years.  After receiving his GED, Michael proudly enlisted in the United States Navy in 1970.

Upon being honorably discharged by the Navy, Michael relocated many times between New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Florida, and Maryland, holding a variety of jobs including lifeguard, swim instructor, EMT, hairdresser, and bartender.  When he returned to Massachusetts, he began his career with the Department of Defense at Hanscom Air Force Base, where he held the position of housing inspector for 22 years. 

Michael met his wife-to-be, Mary Ann Farina, through his cousin in 1982 and it was love at first sight.  They were married two years later on September 29, 1984, and together made their home in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, where they raised their daughter, Courtney Rose.  In 2015, Michael and Mary Ann built their forever home in Walpole, Massachusetts, to be closer to their two grandchildren.

More than anything, Michael was devoted to his family.  He and Mary Ann both came from large families and treasured the moments spent with loved ones.  He coached all of Courtney’s youth sports teams and would frequently dress as Santa Claus for holiday events for family, friends, and the servicemen and women and their families at Hanscom AFB.  Michael was incredibly excited to become a Papa, spending every moment he could with his grandson, Michael, and granddaughter, Adelina.  He loved taking Michael on tractor rides through the neighborhood and reading stories to Adelina.

In his retirement, Michael focused his time on being a handyman and enjoyed maintaining his beautiful home and his perfect lawn.  He loved spending his time outdoors grilling and by the pool.  He was a proud veteran and held so much pride for this country.  He had a love for billiards and enjoyed playing with his friends at Walpole’s Senior Center, in the Senior Pool league, and at his home where he hosted weekly games. He was a loyal New England Patriots fan and never missed watching a game from his favorite chair.  

He received the gift of life through a liver transplant in 2018 and never let his diagnosis hold him back on enjoying his life.  Michael will be remembered for his positive attitude, loud and infectious laugh, love for life, his kindness, strength and his patience.

Beloved husband of Mary Ann (Farina) Marr. Loving father of Courtney Rose Ventresco and her husband, Nicholas, of Walpole. Cherished Papa of Michael John Ventresco and Adelina Camille Ventresco. Brother of Patricia Brown of Florida, Sandra Alefantis of Salem, Massachusetts, and the late Andrew "Roy" Marr. Also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and his other “daughters,” Laura and Ashley.

A celebration of life will be held on May 4, 2022.  Please email celebrationoflife.marr@gmail.com if you would like to participate.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Michael Marr may be made to the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center in honor of Dr. Joseph Franses and his work in hepatocellular carcinoma research. Donations can be made online at https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate (please select the tribute tab) or mailed to Meagan Coons in the MGH Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114. Checks may be made payable to Mass General Cancer Center. Please note Michael Marr the memo line.  Or to the Walpole Senior Center, c/o Walpole Council on Aging, 60 South Street, Walpole, MA 02081.  Or to Care Dimensions, 333 Wyman Street, Waltham, MA 02451.