Resident of Santa Cruz

Richard Bennett Marotta, known affectionately as Rich, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2025, in Santa Cruz, CA, surrounded by the love of his sons, Davis and William “Billy.” After a courageous battle with stage four glioblastoma, he left this world as he lived—strong, loved, and deeply connected to those who mattered most.

Born in Stoneham, MA, on November 17, 1958, to Helen and Alexander Marotta, Rich was the youngest of five children—“the best for last,” as he liked to say. He was raised in a tight-knit family and carried that sense of loyalty and love throughout his life. He began his college journey at UMass before transferring to Merrimack College in Andover, MA, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. It was there that his sharp intellect and analytical mind were honed.

In true Rich fashion, he chased his dreams west to the palm trees, embarking on an epic cross-country journey in his convertible Saab, no doubt blasting his favorite tunes, to California—where he built a successful career in the tech industry. But Rich wasn’t just about business—he was about living life from the front row.

Above all, Rich was a father first. His sons, Davis and Billy, were the absolute pride of his life. From coaching their teams to sharing life lessons over a mocha or a beer, his devotion to them was unwavering. He instilled in them his love of sports, his drive for success, and his belief in enjoying life to the fullest.

Whether it was throwing a ball, swinging a bat, or a hockey stick, or watching the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots with his sons, sports were at the heart of his world. Summers were spent returning to Cape Cod, where family meals, lobster rolls, and mudslides were traditions that kept him connected to his East Coast roots.

The tapestry of Rich's life was woven with the love and camaraderie of his family, including his ex-wives, Christie Dean and Lara Caldas, who shared in the journey of his life's triumphs and challenges.

Rich’s legacy is carried forward not only by his sons but also by his siblings Bill (Fredericksburg, VA), Jean (Boca Raton, FL), and Cathy (Boston, MA), as well as his beloved nieces and nephews—Kate, Kelly, Erin, Danny, and Kyle— and countless friends who were lucky enough to know him. He is reunited in peace with his sister Eileen Hickey and his parents.

Rich found a home in Santa Cruz, where his community of golf and volleyball friends became an extended family. He loved the tradition of the bagpipes at sunset at The Links at Spanish Bay—a fitting tribute to a man who embraced every moment.

As the sun sets on this final chapter, we remember a life well-lived, a game well-played, and a man well-loved. His memory will forever drift along the shores of Santa Cruz and Cape Cod, reminding us to live fully, love deeply, and always go for the front row.

A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, March 1, at 1PM at The Shrine of St. Joseph, 544 West Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz. A Celebration of Life will follow, with details to be announced.