Peter Marra, 84, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston, NY. Born in Niagara Falls, he was the son of the late Joseph “Lefty” and Rose M. (Morreale) Marra.
Peter is survived by his children, Tiffany (Larry) Kelly, Joseph Marra and Kindra Marra; his grandchildren, Michael, Peter, Grace and Sienna; two great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Mary Lou Marra; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother George Marra.
Peter was a 1958 graduate of Niagara Falls High School where he excelled as an incredible athlete playing football, basketball, and baseball. He was the first Niagara Falls player to be named to the Sporting News National High School All-American team.
He attended Indiana University, where he continued his football career, before returning home to obtain his Bachelor’s degree in Education from Niagara University, where he was also a member of their basketball team under “Taps” Gallagher.
Peter taught and coached freshman football at North Junior High School in Niagara Falls, and later returned to Indiana University to pursue a Master’s degree in Education. Following college, Peter played semi-professional football for the Niagara Falls All Stars.
Peter and his brother, George, co-owned and operated PG Sports in Niagara Falls, quickly becoming an essential name to the sports world aside from his athletic accomplishments. They upstarted the PG Sports Newsletter, a nationwide weekly mailing including numerous sports information, current stats and standings. At that time, it was one of only two nationwide newsletters.
Peter promoted closed circuit boxing in Niagara Falls, highlighted by hosting the Rumble in the Jungle, and the Thrilla in Manila. He brought slow-pitch softball to the area and hosted the first World Softball Tournament in Niagara Falls. He was proud to bring professional baseball back to the city by establishing the Niagara Falls Mallards, a minor league baseball team who competed in the North Atlantic League in 1995.
Peter also owned Express Travel Agency and the famous Lefty’s Sports Bar. He was the former manager at the NYS Lottery in the Niagara Region for many years and was a member of the Cristoforo Colombo Society.
An avid sports fan, Peter loved to watch baseball and football. In the 2000’s, Peter was honored for his athletic accomplishments throughout the high school and college ranks. He was inducted into the Niagara Falls High School Sports Hall of Fame, as well as the Niagara Falls Sports Hall of Fame, where he also served as a board member.
Aside from his fast-paced, successful career, Peter found great pleasure in the simple joys of life, especially his family who he loved dearly. He loved being a grandfather and cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren.
Visitation will be Friday, May 2 from 3 – 7 PM at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY, where funeral services will begin Saturday at 10:15 AM, followed by Peter’s Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in St. Joseph’s Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Peter Marra, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
Visitation
Friday, May 02, 2025
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Get Directions on Google Maps
Funeral Service
Saturday, May 03, 2025
10:15 AM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Get Directions on Google Maps
Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, May 03, 2025
11:00 AM
St. Joseph’s Church
1413 Pine Avenue
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
Get Directions on Google Maps
All WNY is made possible thanks to coffee and sleep deprivation.
We appreciate your readership. We like money, too.