Obituaries

James 'Bunny' Marr, 88; Normandy Invasion Veteran, Employee of Local Businesses, Including Manero's

Mr. Marr also was a chief of the Cos Cob Volunteer Fire Co.


James Robert "Bunny" Marr, affectionately known as "Bunny," passed away peacefully on Monday, May 26, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. He was 88.

Born on Nov. 6, 1925 in Bernardasville, NJ to the late James and Helen Patterson Marr, Bunny led a long and happy life.

At age 17, he joined the U.S. Navy Armed Guard and took part in the invasion of Normandy during World War II. A proud patriot, Bunny returned to Normandy 50 years later to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers and friends lost.

 After the war, he worked at Drinkwaters Auction House and years later at Toyota of Greenwich. He also will be remembered as the "friendly face" of Manero's Restaurant in Greenwich, where he greeted patrons with his infectious smile for more than 20 years.

Bunny was an active member of the Cos Cob and Greenwich communities, serving for many years as the Chief of the Cos Cob Volunteer Fire Company as both a leader and a mentor. He also was a member of the Mianus River Boat Club and the Greenwich Chapter of the American Legion.

In 2000, he received an honorary diploma from Greenwich High School, alongside his grandchildren Kerry Wycislo and Breton Marr. Bunny will be remembered as a true family man — he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend and much more.

Bunny is survived by his three children and their spouses, Kimberly and William Kalinski of Greenwich, James and Marianna Marr of Westerly, RI and Craig Marr of Charleston, RI. He is also survived by his brother Charles Frederick Marr of Millbrook, NY, and his close friend and long-time companion, Addie Roina of Greenwich; eight grandchildren, Ryan Marr, Breton Marr, Bill Kalinski, Kerry Kalinski Wycislo, Kristiann Kalinski Boothroyd, James Marr, Patrick Marr, Nina Marr and two great-grandchildren, Connor Boothroyd and Aleksander Wycislo.

Bunny was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Betty Drinkwater Marr, and his siblings William Marr, Helen Marr Wilson and Jean Marr Schultz.

The family will receive friends at Castiglione Funeral Home, 134 Hamilton Ave., Greenwich, on Thursday, May 29 from 4 to 8 pm. A service will be held at Diamond Hill Methodist Church, 521 E. Putnam Ave., Cos Cob, at 11 a.m. Friday, May 30.

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. For online condolences please visit www.castiglionefh.com


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