Richard (Rich) Gilbert Marco passed through this phase of life on June 27, 2024 after a long bought of cancer.

He was 78 years old. Rich was born in Springfield, MA on May 27, 1946, the only child of John Anthony Marco of Springfield, MA and Virginia (Billingham) Marco of Fieldsboro, NJ. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Elaine F. (Hagopian) Marco of Belwood, NC and daughters Jennifer L. Marco of Conover, NC and Laura M. Marco of Belwood, NC.
Rich graduated from Springfield MA Technical High School in 1964. He graduated from The University of Massachusetts in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. In 1982 he received a Master Degree in Manufacturing Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
In December 1963 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve and attained the rate of Cryptology Technician 3rd Class. Upon graduation from college he was commissioned as an Ensign and sent to Rota, Spain for active duty. During his assignment in Spain, he and Elaine were married on December 6, 1969 and both went to Spain until July 1971. He continued in the USNR holding various assignments including Command Assignments in the New England and New York Districts. He retired as a Commander in 1986.
Upon returning from active service, he took a job at Moore Co. Incorporated as an hourly worker. He became a foreman two years later and General Foreman a year later. In 1978 he left Moore's to become a Process Engineer at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. After 6 months he was assigned to the Capital Equipment Group and was involved in the startup of the North Berwick Maine and Columbus GA facilities and was promoted to group leader. In 1983 with the formation of Development Operations he was promoted to Supervisor of Chemical and Metallurgical Process Planning. In 1986 he took an assignment as the onsite Manufacturing Division Representative at P&W's Military Engines Operation in West Palm Beach FL. He stayed there until 1999 when he returned to East Hartford CT as the Manufacturing Program Manager for all Military Programs.
The highlights of his career were his last two assignments as the Industrial Manager for the F119 engine for the F22 Raptor and lastly as the Industrial Manager for the F135 engine for the F35 Lightening II. He started working on those programs in the 1980's and was able to guide them through the transition from development to full manufacturing.
During his career, he was involved with many cutting edge technologies and with his security clearance was involved in numerous classified programs providing wide ranging and interesting assignments.
Rich was deeply involved in sports. Organized, Community, intramural and recreational. He played baseball, basketball, softball, soccer, bowling, golf, football, squash, ping pong among others.
God had blessed him with a loving and caring family and the ability to be a good provider while finding a good balance between work and family life. He was also blessed with a caring and loving church family and community.
Rich enjoyed traveling and between his Navy career, Pratt& Whitney career, family travel and travel with a good friend he was able to spend time in all 48 of the contiguous United States, many eastern Canadian provinces, most western European countries, a little of Africa and some of the Caribbean Islands.
God blessed him with a full and active life.
A funeral service will be held at Norman's Grove Baptist Church on Tuesday. July 2, 2024 with the Rev. Chris Decker officiating. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Internment will follow the service in the church cemetery.
A guest register is available at www.stameytysingerfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., Fallston, NC.