Deacon Stephen "Steve" Marabeti, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026. Throughout his life, Steve was guided by his deep Catholic faith, unwavering commitment to education, and sincere desire to serve both his Church and his community.

Steve was born in 1939 in Brooklyn, NY, to Dominick Marabeti, who passed away in 1991 at the age of 85, and Josephine Marabeti, who passed away in 2002 at the age of 95. During his childhood, the family briefly lived in Clifton, NJ, before settling in Fair Lawn, where Steve grew up as an active member of St. Anne's Parish and graduated from Fair Lawn High School with the Class of 1957.

Following graduation, Steve answered God's call by entering the Franciscan Seminary in Callicoon, New York, where he studied for four years. He then entered the Novitiate in Lafayette, New Jersey, taking the religious name Marcellus. Although he ultimately discerned that religious life was not his permanent vocation, his desire to serve the Church never diminished. After returning home, he attended Seton Hall University and earned his teaching certification.

Steve began his teaching career at DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, NJ, where he taught history from 1965 to 1969. He later joined the faculty at Parsippany Hills High School, where he taught for 32 years before retiring in 2002. His students and colleagues knew him as an exceptional educator whose passion for history made the past come alive. Those who knew him often said, "No one knew history better than Steve. No one taught history better either."

In July 1974, Steve fulfilled another lifelong calling when he was ordained as one of the first permanent deacons in the Diocese of Paterson. As a member of the inaugural class of the Diocese's Permanent Diaconate, he also served on the steering committee that helped establish the program under Bishop Laurence Casey. His dedication to the diaconate extended far beyond New Jersey. Through his work with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Steve traveled throughout the country, encouraging dioceses nationwide to establish permanent diaconate programs. 

For many years, Steve faithfully served the parishioners of St. Joseph Parish in Lincoln Park, NJ. He loved his parish family and often spoke with gratitude about their kindness and friendship. Whether preaching the Gospel, assisting at Mass, visiting the sick, or organizing parish gatherings, Steve found joy in bringing people together. He especially loved cooking for his friends and parish events.

Steve also answered the call to public service. He served as a Councilman for the Borough of Lincoln Park from 1977 through 1982 before being elected Mayor, serving from 1983 through 1986. Whether in government, education, or ministry, Steve believed that serving others was one of life's greatest privileges.

After the passing of his beloved mother in 2002, Steve met Michael while helping pack up her home. Michael quickly became an indispensable friend, helping Steve with transportation, medical appointments, grocery shopping, and everyday needs as Steve's eyesight declined. Steve often said that God had brought Michael into his life when he needed him most. Their bond grew into that of father and son, and Steve was proud to adopt Michael as his son, grateful for the love, companionship, and care they shared.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Dominick and Josephine Marabeti, and by his beloved older brother, Salvatore "Sonny" Marabeti, who passed away in 1993 at the age of 61.

He is survived by his devoted son, Michael; his loving sister, Mary Ann Marabeti Motto, and her husband, John Motto, of North Florida; his nephews Chris Motto and Greg Motto, for whom Steve had a special bond as Greg's baptismal godfather; his nephews Dean Marabeti and Mark Marabeti; his niece Carol Marabeti-Shepherd; and many extended family members, friends, fellow clergy, former students, parishioners, and colleagues whose lives were enriched by his faith, wisdom, kindness, and generous spirit.

Steve will be remembered as a man of profound faith, generous heart, and unwavering commitment to God, family, education, and public service. Whether in the classroom, at the altar, in town government, or among friends gathered around a meal he had lovingly prepared, he devoted his life to serving others with humility, compassion, and joy. His legacy lives on in the countless students he inspired, the parishioners he faithfully served, the communities he strengthened, and the many lives forever changed by his example of Christian love.

Visiting will be on Friday, July 31, 2026 at Keri-Lozito Funeral Home, 125 Main Street, Lincoln Park, NJ from 4-8 PM.  Funeral Mass at St. Joseph's R.C. Church, 216 Comly Road, Lincoln Park, NJ on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 10 AM.  Cremation is private. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Deacon Marabeti's memory to the Lincoln Park Food Pantry, a cause that reflects his lifelong commitment to caring for those in need.