of Boynton Beach, FL and formerly of Wayne, NJ passed away on November 5, 2014. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Barbara nee Weston , his children: Mark and his wife Christine Lewis, Robert and his wife Ellen, and Patrica Balady and husband Anthony Balady, grandchildren: Eva Lacatena, Anthony Balady, Jessica Balady, Robert Lacatena, Cynthia Balady and Alexandra Lacatena. He is also survived by his brothers Anthony, Martin, Natale and Nicholas. He is pre-deceased by his parent Natale and Nicolena (Anna) Lacatena, brothers Pat and Frank and sisters Lena Hallock and Marie Gaita.Marco grew up in the Stoney Road section of Paterson, NJ. At 17 he joined the U.S. Army becoming a member of the 82nd Airborne and the 6th Ranger Company during the Korean War.After serving in Germany during the Korean War, Marco returned to Paterson to pursue his college degree. He obtained a B.S. degree in Physics and Mathematics from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1959. It was during this time that he met and married his wife Barbara. After graduating Marco taught at Ridgefield Park High School and West Milford High School in New Jersey.Marco left West Milford High School to pursue a master's degree at Brown University in Providence, RI. He was very interested in methods of teaching Physics. He returned to New Jersey and began teaching at Montclair State College. While there he recognized the importance of computers in society and was influential in developing the curriculum. After 36 years he retired as Associate Professor of Mathematics from Montclair State University in 1992. The College President conferred the title of Professor Emeritus on his retirement. During that time he and other faculty, along with help from the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) organized the faculty of the 9 NJ State Colleges and formed the Council of New Jersey State College Locals – AFT. He served as president of the council from 1972 to 1993. In this tenure as president, he led a statewide strike of the 9 colleges, bargaining for better wages and benefits. After retirement Marco moved to Florida to enjoy time with his wife. He loved to travel. He took his family on many trips throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. He and Barbara traveled extensively throughout Europe. His favorite place to visit was the birthplace of his father, Alberobello in Puglia, Italy. He made friends there and returned many times to visit. He often brought his children and grandchildren to share his heritage. With all of his professional accomplishments, Marco was most proud of his family. He was quick to share his excitement and wonder with them, at home and while travelling. His instilled in them his love of adventure and learning.
A Visitation will be held from 3pm to 5pm Sunday, November 9, 2014 at Boynton Memorial Chapel, 800 W. Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach. A Graveside Service will be held 10:45am Monday, November 10, 2014 at the South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth (Lane 3). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or to the American Diabetes Association.