Oct. 10, 1935 — April 26, 2018

Warren Marazita, 82, of Niles, died peacefully at 4 a.m. on Thursday, April 26, 2018, with family gathered around at Wellbrooke of South Bend, Indiana following an illness.

His family is grateful for the compassionate and professional care provided by the staff at Wellbrooke, Heartland Hospice Care, and for many first responders in Niles who have assisted as Warren’s health declined, especially the city firefighters.

He was born on Oct. 10, 1935, in Niles to Frank and Josephine (Tignanelli) Marazita.

He loved playing sports at a very early age and excelled in athletics at Niles High School where he graduated in 1955. He played basketball and baseball at Michigan State University.

He earned a bachelor of science in education degree and his master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University (Mount Pleasant). He began his career in education in Saint Louis, Michigan. He then taught and coached in Decatur, Michigan, before returning to Niles to assist his brother, Al at the Veni Sweet Shop. After two years, he resumed his career in education at Brandywine Community Schools where he served as a teacher and administrator for 30 years. He also taught Driver’s Education and was pleased to teach many seventh graders how to play chess.

Warren was a member of Saint Mark Catholic Church in Niles, which helped nurture the strong Christian beliefs that he passed on to his children. He volunteered to coach many of the sports his children participated in and rarely missed any of their activities. He remained a fan of Brandywine girls’ tennis, basketball, and softball teams, Michigan State sports, and the New York Yankees. Warren had a fantastic skill as a motivator — both as a teacher and as a coach — which impacted many students who became lifelong friends.

On Aug.10, 1963, in Beal City, Michigan, he married the former Mary Jean Schafer. They recently celebrated the 54th anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes his wife, Mary Marazita and their children, Michelle (Dennis) Ignowski and Ernest “Todd” (Amy) Marazita, both of Niles, and Warren Scott (Starla) Marazita of Troy, Michigan; grandchildren, Nicole (Shawn) Sullivan, Jenna Ignowski, Audre (Danny) Alonzi, and Cody, Maris, Brock, Mason, Dominic, and Ella Marazita; Warren’s brother, Phil (Ellie) Marazita of Lansing, Michigan and sisters-in-law, Kate (Mrs. Paul), Delphine (Mrs. Tony), and Irene (Mrs. John) Marazita; Mary’s twelve siblings and their families; and many nieces and nephews of several generations.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters; Mary and Virginia, along with brothers; Ernie, Joseph, Dominic, Paul, John, Tony, and Al. As well as nieces; Lisa and Josie.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Warren Marazita will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 4, 2018, at Saint Mark Catholic Church in Niles by the Rev. Thomas King, C.S.C. assisted by Brother Dennis Meyers, C.S.C. Committal Rites will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8: p.m. at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles with recitation of The Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Contributions in memory of Warren Marazita may be made to Saint Mark Catholic Church, 3 North Nineteenth Street, Niles, Michigan 49120; or to Brandywine Community Schools for girl’s athletics. 1830 South Third Street, Niles, Michigan 49120. Online condolences may be left at: .halbritterwickens.com