Roger Thomas Marrone

Edwardsville - Roger Thomas Marrone, age 76, of Edwardsville, died peacefully in his home on May 29, 2023. Born on December 5, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri, Roger was the son of the late Samuel and Ella (Green) Marrone. On June 27, 1971, he married Donna (Kment) Pelcher.

Roger is survived by his wife and son Thomas of Los Gatos, CA, and his two brothers: Ron Marrone of Chico, CA and Richard Marrone of O'Fallon, MO.

After graduating from Hazelwood High School in 1965, Roger pursued technical training as a draftsman while moonlighting as a lightshow operator for local concert venues like the infamous Castaway Club. In 1969, Roger was drafted into the United States Army. His unique electronic lightshow skills earned him a position as an operator for such shows at the officers club in Fort Carson, CO, where he also helped produce shows for a local school for the deaf.

After the Army, Roger briefly attended Central Missouri State College, where he met his future wife of nearly 52 years, Donna. The two quickly married and moved to Edwardsville, IL, where Roger attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and earned his Bachelors of Science in Art in 1974 and a Masters in Arts Education in 1976.

Roger spent several years as a draftsman for McDonnell Aircraft, after which he settled into an information technology job with the Madison County Department of Information Systems. A proud member of AFSCME, Roger would spend almost two decades working with offices across the county to provide database software that streamlined dozens of procedures and made everyone's lives a little easier.

In retirement, Roger continued to pursue music, his hobbies, and he delighted in spending time with his family. He leaves behind a legacy of creativity, curiosity, and generosity, and though the world will miss his light, his enthusiasm and warmth has touched the fires in the hearts of all who loved him, making all of us burn a little brighter.

Friends and family are welcome to attend a visitation at the Sunset Hill Funeral Home in Glen Carbon, IL, on Friday June 2 at 5 p.m. The funeral will also be at Sunset Hill Funeral Home on Saturday, June 3, at 11 a.m. with a graveside service following.