Obituary of Francis Nicholas Marzella

Francis Nicholas Marzella, 86, of Betteron, MD and formerly of Collegeville died suddenly on March 19, 2024 at the University of Maryland Hospital at Easton. Fran was born on April 16, 1937 in Bryn Mawr, a son of the late Michael Marzella and the late Doris (Freas) Marzella. He spent his formative years in the Lower Providence area and was a graduate of Norristown High School. Fran served honorably in the US Army from 1958 to 1960.

Fran married Maureen (Fisher) Marzella on September 29, 1961. He worked briefly in the family business, Freas Glass, and for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company before he and Maureen started what would become a Collegeville institution and the first pizza store in Collegeville, Marzella's Pizza. Their first store had 2 tables and sold pizza's for $1.25. They moved to 5th Ave. and Main Street where they expanded their business, their family, and became part of the fabric of Collegeville with their generosity and community involvement. They were well known for their Christmas Day feast which was open for free to all who came. A decision was made to slow the pace a little in 2000. The Marzella's moved to Betteron, MD in 2013 and turned a renovated firehouse into Marzella's By the Bay and soon became an integral part of that community. A visit to their website, www.marzellastromboli.com will provide additional information about their story.

Fran is survived by his wife of 63 years, Maureen (Fisher) Marzella and by his son, Michael Marzella of California. Also surviving are his grandchildren, David, Chiah, Samuel, and Ciarra; and his siblings, Diane, Michael and Dennis. In addition to his parents, Fran was preceded in death by his daughter, Katherine Johnson, and his brother, Douglas.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Visitation at the Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 224 W. Main Street, Trappe, PA on Thursday, March 28, from 4 to 6 PM. Words of Remembrance will be shared at 6 PM, followed by the rendering of military honors.

Contributions in Fran's memory may be made to: St. Jude's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org)

Arrangements by Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home (www.msrfh.com)