Mr. James Gerald (Jerry) Marrone, Sr., 82, of Frederick, went home to be with the Lord, on March 30, 2014. Born on March 30, 1932, in Frederick, MD, he was the eldest son of Dr. and Mrs. James Marrone. Jerry was married for 58 years to his beloved wife Joan, who passed away in 2011. He was preceded in death by one brother, Dr. Richard Marrone. Jerry graduated from high school in 1950 and enrolled in Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore the following fall. He attended Peabody for 3 yrs., at which time he was drafted by the Army during the Korean War. Upon discharge, he returned to the Peabody to complete his degree. In 1957, he was hired by the Frederick County Board of Education, where he began his teaching career in instrumental program. Within a few years, the band grew to over 100 members. This band began taking 1st place honors in parades and field competitions, and Kudos and adjudications. A high point in Jerry's career came in 1970 and again in 1972 when his band was selected to represent the State of Maryland at the Festival of States in St. Petersburg, Florida. The band showed well in the competitions, and was able to capture a 2nd place finish in 1972. Over his 32 year, career, Jerry's bands performed at carnivals, football field shows, Frederick Fair Band Competitions, as well as performances at the Frederick Band Shelter in Baker Park. Jerry retired after 21 years at Middletown High School, and 11 years at Middletown Middle School. During his 82 years, Jerry taught private music lessons, performed with his own music group the Jerry Marrone Sextet, and also with the Ray Bierley Band. Upon his retirement, he would play keyboard at the Elks Club in Frederick, the Amvets in Middletown and the Glade Valley Nursing Home. When he and Joan spent their winters in Ft. Myers, FL, he could be found playing at the Local Elks every Tuesday evening. He leaves behind his, daughter, Cindy Pistolas and husband Steve of NJ, son, Jerry Marrone Jr. and wife Tammy of Middletown, son, Rick Marrone and wife Rebecca of Frederick, grandsons, Nick, Luke, Daniel and Austin Marrone, granddaughters, Melanie Williams and husband Anthony of NJ, Elena and Catherine Marrone, brother, Bob Marrone and wife Cathy, of Frederick, sister-in-law, Sharon Rudy and husband Willard of Middletown, numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm, on Wednesday, April 2, 2014, at the Keeney & Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, on Thursday, April 3, 2014, in the Etchison Memorial Chapel, at the funeral home. Rev. Dr. Susan R. Halse will officiate. Interment will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Middletown. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions, may be made to Amvets #9, P.O. Box 275, Middletown, MD 21769, in memory of Jerry Marrone Sr. Online condolences may be shared at www.keeneybasford.com
