Former Central Catholic standout Marotta dies at age 52

Marc Marotta had his choice of any college in the country.

He was a star basketball player and straight-A student at Central Catholic High School in Oakland, where he graduated in 1980.

He was recruited by every major college basketball program as well as several Ivy League schools.

The night before he signed his letter of intent, he called his teammate, John Farrell. Over the phone, they weighed his options. Ultimately, he chose Marquette University in Milwaukee.

“There was something in his heart that sent him to Marquette,” Farrell said. “He loved Pittsburgh, but he never looked back.”

Mr. Marotta died Wednesday, April 8, 2015, of a brain aneurysm in Milwaukee. He was 52.

He was drafted by the New York Knicks when he graduated in 1984, but he chose Harvard Law School instead.

Mr. Marotta, who grew up in Highland Park, practiced business law at Foley & Lardner in Milwaukee and chaired the board that oversees the BMO Harris Bradley Center, the arena where the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks play.

He was an adviser to several prominent Wisconsin politicians, including former Gov. Jim Doyle.

“He had real vision with what he wanted to do with his life,” said Mark Foerster, who graduated with Mr. Marotta from Central Catholic. “Everyone looked up to him. I've never heard anyone say a negative word about Marc.”

Jamie Regan had known Mr. Marotta since they were 6. When he moved to Milwaukee, Mr. Marotta made a point of staying in touch with friends from home. Regan said the two spoke on the phone almost every week.

“He was one of the most humble people I've ever known,” Regan said. “He was still so connected to Pittsburgh.”

Mr. Marotta is survived by his wife, Kim, and four children.

Tony Raap is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-320-7827 or traap@tribweb.com.