Marco Francesco Etter

Marco Francesco Etter, 59, died unexpectedly at his home on Friday, October 4th, 2024. He is the beloved husband of Ann Alexandra Etter with whom he shared 21 years of marriage.

Marco was born in Antegnate, Italy on May 29th, 1965 and was the son of the late Harold and Giacomina (Marcheselli) Etter. He received his high school education at Alamogordo High School, New Mexico and continued his higher education attending and graduating from Framingham State University, Massachusetts with his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and University of Phoenix with his Master’s degree in Information Systems Management.

Marco enlisted in the United States Marine Corps right after High School in 1983.

He was extremely proud of his contribution to our country and his military service, especially his respect and love of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Marco was deployed from 1990-1991 during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After 8 years in the Marines, Marco transferred to the U.S. Army.

After 9/11, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Marco was again deployed to Iraq in 2004-2005. He was stationed at Camp Redemption, Abu Ghraib Iraq.

On April 2nd 2005, Mujahideen insurgents linked to Al-Qaeda in Iraq launched a surprise attack on the American section of Abu Ghraib prison, firing heavy mortars and rockets at the facility, and then assaulting with small arms and grenades and vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Devices. The attack was successfully repelled by the US garrison of which Marco was part of. After 40 minutes of fighting, 44 US military personnel had been wounded in action and an estimated 70 insurgents killed. Marco was a combatant in this battle and was awarded the Army Combat Action Badge for his contribution. Even though Marco transferred to the Army, he had the heart and mindset of a warrior and was a MARINE to the core. Marco served a total of 27 years in the United States military until his retirement in 2010.

In his free time, Marco had a passion for fitness. He maintained himself as a model Marine of physical fitness. During his ongoing workout training, Marco was very generous with his time, coaching and mentoring others. Marco participated in triathlons and ran in 13 Boston Marathons. He enjoyed traveling with his family and friends as well as competitive ballroom and country dancing with his wife. In his younger years, he was a competitive chess player and bowler.

In addition to his wife, Ann, he is survived by his sister, Susanna and her husband Brian of Massachusetts, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members. Marco found joy in spending time with those closest to him. He was a truly beautiful soul who graced everyone he met with kindness and joy. His love, kindness, generosity, easy smile, quick wit, contagious laugh, and world class persona will be profoundly missed. One of Marco’s greatest talents was making people feel loved and valued. He will be forever in our hearts.

Relatives and friends are invited to Marco’s graveside service and presentation of military honors on Wednesday, October 16th, 2024 at 12:45 PM at the Massachusetts Veteran Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA. His internment will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marco's name to Tunnel to Towers by visiting https://t2t.org/homeless-veteran-program/

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