Donald John Marotta, of 274 Tiger Creek Road, Roan Mountain, Tenn., died of natural causes on Monday, January 30, 2017, at age 73. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., to parents, Tommaso (Thomas) Giovanni (John) Marotta, of Castel Castagna, Italy, and Rachel Ann (Bishop) Marotta of McDowell, Va.
He is survived by two sons, John B. Marotta of Selo, N.C., and Andrew O. Marotta of Chantilly, Va.; six grandchildren, Aaron P. Marotta, Ethan I. Marotta, Evan T. Marotta, Issaac J. Marotta, Sophia E. Marotta, Tilman M. Marotta and Ava F. Marotta; and five great-grandchildren, Liam B. Marotta, Silas P. Marotta, Ian B. Marotta, Trinity W. Marotta and Tristan I. Marotta.
Drawing from a range of personal experiences from teaching and counseling, Donald devoted himself to writing, focusing on the therapy of humor. His most widely read book, “Prospecting for Old Furniture,” was published in 1985.
A memorial service will be held for Mr. Marotta in the fellowship hall of First Presbyterian Church in Elizabethton at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 11. His loss is felt deeply by so many whose hearts he warmed.