Ocean County Columbus Day Parade & Italian Street Festival
Ray and Dawn Marzarella’s story began in 1979 at Saint Francis College in Loretto, Pennsylvania, where they were both students. What began during those college years has grown into a lifelong partnership and this year they celebrate 42 years of marriage. They are proud parents to Kristin, Ray-Ray and Matthew. For more than four decades they lived in Lakewood, New Jersey where they raised their family and built strong ties to the community. They recently moved to Wall Township with their son Matthew.
Ray is owner and President of All County Exteriors, a family-owned and operated business that has become a staple in Ocean and Monmouth Counties. For the Marzarella family, however success has always meant more than Business, it has meant giving back. Their commitment to helping others has shaped their lives for decades. Ray and Dawn played an important role in the early growth of POAC Autism Services, a Brick Township based nonprofit dedicated to individuals and families affected by autism. The connection to the organization is deeply personal. Their son Matthew was named POAC’s Ambassador of Autism and was the first individual in the country to receive that honor. Dawn continues her work with POAC today as a member of the organization’s Board of Trustees, after previously serving as Vice President, in the early 2000s. She also serves on the advisory board of Monmouth County’s Allaire Community Farm
A commitment to service has become a family tradition for the Marzarellas. Ray, Dawn and their daughter Kristin lead the Annual ALM Memorial Foundation Golf Outing, which raises funds for organizations including the American Cancer Society, Make-A-Wish Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Kristin and her husband, Christopher Amato are also active in the J Foundation, created in memory of Christopher’s mother which has helped support the St, Jude Dream Home Showplace in Manasquan. Their son Ray-Ray and his wife Joan continue to promote autism awareness through their recently launched entertainment venture, Matt Pro Wrestling, inspired by their brother Matthew.
Through their company, All County Exteriors, the family proudly supports numerous nonprofit organizations throughout Ocean and Monmouth Counties. This includes the Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee. The company has also been featured on the television series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
For the Marzarella family, community has always come first. Their lives reflect a simple belief; when family, faith and service come together, they can make a lasting difference in the lives of others.