Felix " Phil" Marotta

Felix (“Phil”) Marotta, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at Harmony at Hart's Run in Glenshaw, Pennsylvania on Sunday evening, November 18, 2024. He was born on February 22, 1931, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Frank and Anna (DeAngelis) Marotta. Phil lived a life filled with love, service, and devotion.

Phil attended Westinghouse High School and Carnegie Tech, now Carnegie Mellon, before serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he spent 75 days on the front lines. He received a bronze medal with two stars for his bravery. After his military service, he worked as a draftsman. He taught draftsmanship at a private school in Irwin,  then joined Salvucci Engineering before moving on to American Bridge, where he contributed to estimating the amount of steel required for the construction of the U.S. Steel Tower. After a successful career as a draftsman, Phil thrived in sales at the family business Asia Carpet and Decorating Company, where he brought his warmth and charm to the team.

In August 1955, Phil married Esther Lesoon after being introduced to one another by dear friends in a beautiful celebration at The William Penn Hotel. Over 500 hundred friends and family from across the country attended the wedding, deemed "the event of the year." Many guests recounted stories and cherished memories from the day. Phil and Esther's marriage was a true testament to love and partnership until Esther's passing in April 1997. Together, they raised two sons, Marc and Dean, both avid basketball players and future stars, making Phil and Esther the world's best fans. Marc continued his illustrious basketball career at Marquette University, and they never missed a game. Phil's love and pride for his sons were unmatched.

Phil was preceded in death by his son Marc, who passed away at the young age of 52 on April 8, 2015. The loss of both Esther and Marc brought Phil immense sorrow, but his faith and the love of his family sustained him. Although his family is filled with sadness over his absence, they find great comfort in knowing that a man who lived a humble and well-loved life here on earth is now in his Eternal home of peace and joy and has been reunited with his beloved wife and son. 

A devoted grandfather ("Pop Pop"), Phil never missed a chance to visit his grandchildren, Karley (Jake), Cameron (Noreen), Chloe, McKenna, and his daughter-in-law Kim in Wisconsin. He loved attending Marquette basketball games and celebrating birthdays, holidays, and weddings with them, often driving from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin while listening to Frank Sinatra the entire way. Two years ago, at his first grandchild's wedding, he supported her as she walked down the aisle to greet her future husband.

As an avid bowler, Phil enjoyed spending time on the lanes with his friends and continued this hobby well into his later years. He shared a close, brotherly bond with his brother-in-law Edward (“Babe”) Lesoon and cherished the many nieces and nephews in the Pittsburgh area who filled his days with love and joy. He had a particularly close relationship with his nephew, Jonathan, who was unconditionally there for him and whom he loved like his own son. Sitting around the dining room table with Babe, Jonathan, and the rest of the family sharing a meal or laughing over the day's events was one of his favorite places. Complete with red wine and toasts for “Chin Don” or health for 100 years.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Rico and Sonny, his wife Esther, and his son Marc. He is survived by his son Dean; his daughter-in-law Kim; his grandchildren Karley, Cameron, Chloe, and McKenna; his brother-in-law Babe (Toni, Gail) Lesoon; and Babe's children Leslie, Andrea, Stephne (Tony), Eddie III (Lee Ann), Courtney, and Jonathan.

Phil will be remembered for his sharp mind, loving nature, and unwavering devotion to his family. His passion for sports, candid remarks—often expressed with a "Holy hell!"—and generous spirit made him one of the most lovable and kind-hearted individuals the world has ever known. His legacy continues to live on through the lives of those he touched. And in Phil's favorite words, "Alright, we'll see you later."  

Friends will be received at John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street  on Thursday November 21, 2024 from 10AM until a Blessing Service in the funeral home at 12 Noon. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Marc Marotta Family Endowed Scholarship at Marquette University, c/o Marquette University P.O. Box 7013 Carol Stream, IL 60197-7013 or online at the following link:  https://timetorise.marquette.edu/give?appeal=ADF , where you would please select "Other Fund Designation" in the "Select a Priority Fund" box and then write in Marc Marotta Scholarship Fund.