Obituaries

     Richard William Marzuoli passed away at his home on January 27, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was born at home in Easton on May 24, 1938, in the building that now houses the College Hill Tavern. Richard’s father, Antonio (Anthony), was born in Cittá Sant’Angelo in the province of Pescara, Abruzzo, Italy and immigrated to Phillipsburg, NJ at age 7. His mother, Dorothy (Belkey), was from Easton. Richard was born and raised on College Hill, attending March School through grade nine, where he cultivated his personal relationships and sense of humor.

     After graduating from Easton High School in 1955, he attended Churchman’s Business College and went on to earn a B.B.A. in business administration from Temple University. Richard enjoyed a career in sales and marketing, working at a number of companies over the span of four decades. Those companies included Alpha Portland Cement, RCA (Computer Systems Division), Intertec Data Systems, Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), and SI Handling Systems (two years of which were spent in Sydney, Australia). He finished out his career at the National Federation of Independent Business (N.F.I.B.) before retiring in 2004. After retirement, he was fortunate enough to spend much of his time traveling with his wife Lora; their travels included going on several European river cruises, crisscrossing the country a number of times visiting National Parks, and ultimately accomplishing the goal of visiting all 50 states. Richard also loved singing, reading history books, discovering new music, and showing off his 1947 MG-TC.

     Richard was civic-minded and participated in a number of local organizations. He was a member of the Easton JayCees and was the chairman of the first Halloween parade in Easton. After the JayCees, he joined the Lion’s Club, a membership which has spanned 35 years. As a Lion, he received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award in 2021. He was also a member of the Easton Area Joint Sewer Authority for 25 years, serving as chairman for the final eight years of his involvement until his retirement from service in 2020. He was also a board member of the Y.R. Club of Easton for many years.

     Richard had many endearing qualities and was known by various nicknames throughout his life, including “Rocky” and “Chardo.” Everyone who knew Richard could attest to his easy-going and fun-loving nature. He was always ready with a joke and formed many lasting relationships throughout his life.

     Richard passed away at home from complications of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a disease which has no known cause or cure. Richard is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lora (Hackenburg), whom he met at the Y.R. Club; his three daughters, Elizabeth Scott (Mark), Alison Marzuoli, and Meredith Marzuoli (Patrick Swillinger); his four grandsons Teddy and Luke Scott, and Silas and Asa Swillinger; and his sweet pets, dog Ellie, cat Oscar, and his guard cat Jake, who was his constant companion in the final months. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Eleanor Neff.

     A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Lehigh Valley Hospice (2024 Lehigh Street, Allentown, PA, 18103 or online at tinyurl.com/lvhospicedonation (select “Hospice” designation)) or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (pulmonaryfibrosisfoundation.org).