Joseph "Jay" Marzilli

Joseph “Jay” T. Marzilli of Brockton formerly of Whitman died on March 5 ^th 2015 after a valiant and tenacious battle with cancer for over 4 years. He was born in Dorchester and raised in Whitman. He graduated from Whitman-Hanson high School class of 1970. He attended Massasoit College and furthered his education with a certification in Hematology from Southern Vocational School. In 1973 he met the love of his life, Jean Dolan. It was love at first sight and they have been married for 35 years. He was the son of Elaine (Parsons) Marzilli of Halifax and the late Thomas J. Marzelli.

His first love was driving. He drove big rigs over the road, and drove anything with wheels on it all his life. He was an avid biker and proud owner of 2 Harley Davidson motorcycles. He was a private pilot and owned his own plane for years. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and the outdoors. Especially at Friend’s Camp on a pond in Brewster.He was a great guy! The first to help out when there was a problem and the first to “party hearty” when there wasn’t. He was a proud member of the Sons of American Legion, following in his father’s and grandfather’s steps. He was “sergeant at arms” in the color guard in Whitman and was active in all their functions and fundraisers. He and his wife traveled extensively in the U.S., Europe, Middle East and Mexico where he picked up and impressive collection of Harley Davidson T-shirts including one from Kuwait and Australia brought back by his nephew.

He is survived his wife Jean, four sisters Marilyn Ross and her husband Peter of RI, Anita Roig and her husband Todd of Ohio, Donna and her partner Frank of VT, and Paula and her partner Joe from PA. His nephews Mike and his wife Lori of Maryland, Justin McPhee of PA and a niece Kate Cox and her husband Matt, and one grand-niece Miranda of VA. He is also survived by his “uncle Joe” Marzilli of Watertown and 16 close cousins, and his 2 beloved dogs Koko and Amber. He and great sense of humor will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

A memorial Mass will be on Saturday march 14 ^th in Holy Ghost Church, Whitman at 10:30 am.

Donations in his memory may be made to Brockton Firefighters Local 144 Charity Fund, P.O. Box 868, Brockton, MA 02303.