In Memoriam: Little Silver-Raised, Holy Cross, RBC Grad, Peter Marrin, 47

Little Silver-raised Red Bank Catholic High School graduate, Peter Tompkins Marrin, of Long Branch, passed away unexpectedly at home of natural causes on Dec. 15. He was 47.

Born in Red Bank to Richard Marrin and Gail Cooper Marrin on Jan. 5, 1978, Peter grew up in Little Silver, the youngest of six children. He attended Holy Cross Academy in Rumson, Red Bank Catholic High School and Fordham University in New York City.

“Peter was a 13th generation Monmouth County resident and descendant of one of the oldest families in New Jersey. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and a direct ancestor of multiple Mayflower passengers. Keenly aware of the power of family and tradition, he was particularly proud of his daughter Grace, one of the first sixth generation of Marrins to attend his alma mater, Fordham University.

“Peter was an avid reader and found his talent and joy in writing, making his passion into a career. After college, Peter would become a research analyst, having an accomplished career in the gas and oil market, most recently with Guidehouse Research in New York City. Pete’s affable character, good humor and enthusiasm made him appealing company and a popular colleague and manager.

“Pete’s world revolved around his beloved wife Elizabeth, his high school sweetheart, inseparable from their days at Red Bank Catholic. Liz has always been Pete’s rock. He overflowed with joy for the life they built, and his adoration for Liz and their three children had no limits. He was immeasurably proud of his sons Tommy and Griffin, never doubting the men they would become. And daughter Grace has always been his heart’s delight.

“Peter enjoyed his role as the youngest sibling to his brothers and sisters and proved to be a phenomenal uncle to his many nieces and nephews, all of whom knew they could always count on him for a fun story, a listening ear, or a bit of sage advice …

“He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unforgettable memories that will forever remain in their hearts. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the many others whose lives he positively impacted.”
Loved ones of Peter Marrin in his obituary

In his youth, Peter was known as a talented athlete. He played football for Red Bank Catholic. His love for sports and fostering the ambitions and talents of others led him to become a beloved football and basketball coach to his sons and their teammates at St. Jerome School and for Shore Pop Warner Football teams.

In addition to his affinity for sports, Peter loved the ocean, having always been drawn to the vastness, beauty, and healing power of the sea, feeling a deep connection, peace, and spiritual pull to the water, often planning daily life and family holidays around the seashore. He reveled in the annual New Year’s Day polar bear plunge, a tradition he shared with friends and family for decades.

Peter’s plunging streaks often lasted well into autumn. An avid fisherman since early childhood, his dream come true was catching sharks in Key West, Florida with his family by his side. His favorite place of respite was his family’s summer cottage at Pleasure Beach, Connecticut surrounded by his wife and children, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts uncles and cousins, all of whom loved him dearly and miss him tremendously.

His journey on this earth was one marked above all, by his love for Liz, their children and greater family and friends, his compassion, and his unwavering faith in God. Peter and his family were parishioners at St. Jerome Parish.

Peter is predeceased by: his parents, the late Richard B. (2010) and Gail (2008) Marrin; his uncle, Wilfred E. Marrin, III; and his father-in-law, Terence McNerney.

He is survived by: his beloved wife, Elizabeth Marrin née McNerney; daughter, Grace Marrin; sons, Tompkins Marrin and Griffin Marrin; his dear golden retriever, Kaya; his brothers, Richard B. (Mona) Marrin, Jr., Matthew C. (Rachel) Marrin, and James C. Marrin; his sisters, Margaret M. (Michael) Spencer and Jennifer M. (Kevin) Cullinan; his aunt, Pamela (John) DeSilvestri; his uncle, Jehu (Patricia) Patterson Cooper IV; his sister-in-law, Erin (David) Mahajan; his mother-in-law, Susan McNerney; his brother-in-law, Andrew (Karen) McNerney; and his many nieces and nephews, William, Claire, and Henry Spencer, Sarkis and Maximus Marrin, James, Lucy, Daniel, and Christopher Cullinan, Olivia and Charlotte Marrin, Catherine and Abigail Marrin, Isabella Politan, Genevieve Brinton, Matthew Mahajan, and Finn and Darcy McNerney.

Visitation for Peter will take place on Friday, Dec. 19, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank, NJ, 07701. A mass of christian burial will take place on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Jerome Roman Catholic Church, 254 Wall St., West Long Branch, NJ, 07764.

In lieu of flowers, and to honor Peter’s legacy, the family asks that you consider a gift to support the future educations of Grace, Tommy and Grif. Checks may be made payable to “NJBEST 529 College Savings Plan” and sent to Margaret Marrin Spencer, PO Box #114, Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home