TOPSHAM — Robert J. Marotto, former Publishing Company Executive & former president of Americana Corporation, publishers of Encyclopedia Americana, died on Tuesday, January 17, 2012.
He was a 42 year resident of Lexington, MA and was the husband of Katherine (Unwin) Marotto for 62 years. He moved to Topsham, ME in 2001.
Born in Hartford, CT, son of George and Elizabeth (Frayne) Marotto, he was a graduate of The University of Connecticut and a World War II veteran. He served as a Flight Officer/Navigator on a B-17 in the Eighth Army Air Force based in Britain.
He joined Americana as a salesman in 1949 and rose to the presidency in 1969, retiring as a vice-president of the parent company Grolier, Inc. in 1975. He later served as a regional vice- president of Comptons, a division of Encyclopaedia Brittanica.
Mr. Marotto traveled extensively, including trips to China, Japan, the former Soviet Union, Africa, Alaska, Europe, and the islands of the South Pacific.
He loved water and snow skiing and taught both to his children and to the many guests at a resort he owned ( Hidden Cove) in Laconia, NH. He was an avid fan of the Red Sox and Patriots.
In addition to his wife, he leaves five children; Robert P. and his wife Cheryl of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, Joan Phillips of Denver, CO, Barbara Macdonald and her husband Bruce of Westwood, MA, Paul S. and his spouse Wendell Scott of Winthrop, ME, and Mark E. and his wife Lisa of Brunswick, ME. He also leaves eight grandchildren; Thomas, Melissa, Brian, Brittany, Ross, Logan, Zachary, Zoë, and four greatgrandchildren; Annie, Abraham, Christian, and Samuel, along with many nieces, nephews and his beloved dog Mandy.
He was predeceased by three brothers, John, George and Francis, and a sister, Sabina Mosier.
Mr. Marotto was a member of Saint Charles Borromeo Church in Brunswick, ME. Funeral services have been held.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Robert J. Marotto to CHANS Home Hospice Care, 60 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, ME 04011. www.chanshomehealthcare.com/donate-tochans.aspx or: Saint Charles Borromeo Church, 132 McKeen Street, Brunswick, ME 04011.
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