Sam Marrazzo, operator of Marrazzo’s Market in Ewing, NJ and a fixture in the Delaware Valley grocery industry for many years, passed away February 23 at the age of 76.
Sam will be remembered by his loving wife of 54 years, Margaret Marrazzo (Scott), daughter Mary Marrazzo Saltzman and her husband Josh and loving granddaughters Samantha Christine and Mary Catherine. He is survived by his brother Joseph Marrazzo and his family.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents and business partners Mary and Donald Marrazzo.
Sam was a graduate of Pennsbury High School and upon graduation immediately became involved in the family business at Marrazzo’s Quality Food Market on South Broad Street in Trenton, NJ.
Sam followed the legacy of his father, Donald, who began the Centre Fruit Market on Centre Street in Trenton in 1947.
In 1961, the family opened their second location, Marrazzo’s Quality Market on South Broad Street in Trenton. Don later made Sam a partner in the business, and they continued to run that store until it came time to expand. In 1989, they opened Marrazzo’s Thriftway in Robbinsville, which they sold about three years ago. The current 36,000 square foot supermarket in Ewing was opened in 2000.
Sam said the family personally managing the store had helped cut down on costs and improve customer service. “The good fortune we had came from 60 years of working hard,” he noted. “We still do.”
He was widely recognized and respected in the business world. He sat on the board of Yardville Bank and First Trust Bank in addition to the board of the Retail Marketing Group (RMG).
One of his greatest pleasures was greeting his customers each day. They became his friends, and he took a very personal interest in their stories. Everyone was aware of his high personal and professional standards. He always believed his customers deserved the best of himself and his employees. He truly was “Marrazzo’s Market.”
Donations in his memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the charity of one’s choice.