EAST ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The East Rochester Bomber sports family has lost one of its biggest heroes, longtime sports manager Dan Marra.

“He`s not going to be there, and it set in yesterday at our first practice without him,” said East Rochester baseball and football coach Patrick Walsh.

“I remember him as always there, always talking and always helping,” said Rush-Henrietta Coach Jim Cox. 

Dan Marra passed away Friday, March 17 after a three week battle with liver cancer. The loss is surreal for the people who worked alongside the diehard sports fan.

“They didn’t have the same type of pop that they have. The chatter wasn’t there. They`re missing Dan. It`s going to be a tough first game,” said Walsh.

Although Dan suffered from epilepsy, he persevered, being involved with a combined 60 sports teams during his 20-year tenure at East Rochester High School. That dedication included walking to work.

“He`s a man that was dying that was worried about me. I think that`s what says a lot about what Dan was and he will truly be missed,” said East Rochester Assistant Coach Brian Touranjoe.  

A product of the Rush-Henrietta football team, Marra's legacy remains to touch the lives of sports figures today and tomorrow.

“East Rochester is known as 'The Home of Champions,' and Dan Marra goes down in legacy as one of our greatest champions,” said E-R Athletic Director Mark Michele.

The Village of East Rochester still plans to posthumously honor Marra's community service with its own award. 

“The one thing I can say about Dan is that he would always shake my hand, win or lose,” said Walsh.

Dan Marra`s wake will take place on Friday, March 24. Players are expected to wear their jerseys in honor of a man who brought love and laughter to the realm of local competitive sports.