Donald A. Marrison Sr.
Born on February 19, 1942 in Ashtabula, OhioDeparted June 21, 2022 in Melbourne, Florida
Donald A. Marrison Sr., of Palm Bay, Florida and originally from Ashtabula, Ohio, died Tuesday, June 21, after a courageous battle with seemingly every medical condition one could imagine, including COVID-19. Don spent most of his work life in the construction industry, starting his own business in central Florida after working throughout northeast Ohio for a number of companies, including the Albert M. Higley Corp. Don was proud to have poured the pool floor for Shamu at Sea World’s Aurora, Ohio location, taking his three sons there shortly after the exhibit opened. He also worked for Ashtabula Bow Socket Co. and the New York Railroad, and as a child wove baskets with his siblings for his father’s business.
Don was a devoted family man. As his condition worsened in the last few months of his life, he prayed that he would live to meet his great-grandchildren. He fell seriously ill the day they all gathered in Florida, answering his prayers. Don was someone who was generous to a fault, loved to make people laugh and was always helping those in need. In Ashtabula, he was well known for his bowling prowess, bowling multiple perfect games and an 800 series when that was a challenge.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Margaret “Gayle” Marrison, taking their vows while both were teenagers. He worshipped Gayle, and she him. Also preceding him in death was his second wife, Sharon; his eldest son Donald Jr.; brother Harry; mother Rose Burgard; and father Harry. Donald leaves behind his wife, Tammy, who provided great comfort and companionship in his last months of life; sons Benjamin (Ellen) of Pickerington, Ohio and Jerry (Kelly) of Jacksonville, Florida; 9 grandchildren (Mindy, Matthew, Amy, Rachel, Samuel, Timothy, Jerry Jr., Stephanie, and D.J.); 12 great-grandchildren; and three sisters, whom he cherished.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:30 pm on Friday, July 1, at Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home, Melbourne; friends may gather from 6:00 until 8 pm. He will be buried at a graveside service in Greenlawn Memory Gardens in North Kingsville, Ohio at 12:30 p.m. on July 16, with his soulmate, Gayle.