John Anthony Marotta

John Anthony Marotta, age 58, started his journey to the spirit world on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2019, at his residence in St. Paul.

John was a member of the Boise-Forte Tribe of Ojibwe and came into the world on June 24, 1960 to Charles Anthony Marotta and Lozenia Mary Isham, of Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX.

Upon graduation, he entered the United States Navy, serving from 1982 to 1990 on board the USS Coontz and the USS Leyte Gulf. It was on board the Leyte Gulf where he served as one of the original ship builders and later served on the original crew when the ship was launched on June 20, 1986 and commissioned on September 26, 1987. His name appears on a plaque of the original crew. While in the service, he earned the Meritorious Unit Commendation twice, Good Conduct Award, two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

John was always one to further his education, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree and went on to learn the Russian language.

He was the father to three. Left to mourn his loss are son, Christopher Marotta; daughters, Cree and Chelsea (Neal) Marotta. He was the grandfather to Sebastian and Theodore and brother to Frank Dodnik and Kara Marotta.

He loved the Patriots, traveling, drinking and the finer things in life.

A private family burial of his cremains, with full military honors, will occur in the spring at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

His care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker.  Friends and family may leave online condolences at www.northernpeace.com.

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