Michael Benedetto La Marca

Michael Benedetto La Marca, age 39, of Phoenix, AZ passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 3, 2020 while hiking at Peralta Trailhead in the Tonto National Forest in Arizona.  

He was born on August 14, 1981 in Clinton, NJ.  He was the son of Benedetto Michael La Marca of Naples, FL and Donna Groiss La Marca of Lebanon, NJ.

Michael was a 1999 graduate of North Hunterdon Regional High School.  He earned his B.S. degree in Physics from the University of Michigan and his Ph.D in Mathematics from Arizona State University.  Most recently he was working as the Director of Solar Fleet Performance for Sunnova Energy.

Michael was the life of the party while at the same time the smartest person in the room. He had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and was continuously seeking new adventures, leading to an extraordinary life that was lived to the fullest. Michael was a light to all that knew him. He was someone that fostered a special relationship with everyone he met, someone who supported and loved others without question.  Michael had many passions in life including University of Michigan athletics (especially football), cycling, the Yankees, solar energy, and traveling near and far.  He was a huge Guns N’ Roses fan, loved playing the drums, was learning the guitar, a master karaoke singer, a voracious reader, ruled the Pai Gow tables, believed in the #8 and lucky cat, enjoyed shopping at Costco, played frog bog to win prizes for his nephews and niece, and loved being down the shore with his family in Ortley Beach, NJ. 

Michael was the most loving son, supportive brother, thoughtful uncle, and caring friend. Survivors in addition to his loving parents include four siblings; Leah La Marca, Amanda La Marca Hall and her husband Tim, Adam La Marca and his wife Melissa, and Julia La Marca. As well as three nephews and one niece; Cameron Hall, Hayes Hall, Hudson La Marca and Olivia La Marca.

A celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 1:30pm at Holjes-Sheppard Memorial Park located behind Lebanon Borough School, 6 Maple Street,  Lebanon, NJ.  Those who wish to share a memory or story about Michael will be invited to speak. Guests are also invited to bring a photo of a favorite memory with him for the display. Rain date will be Sunday October 18, 2020 at 1:30pm. Please RSVP for the service by clicking the link below and please include if you would like to share a memory at the event.  Please indicate ‘sharing’ after your name on the RSVP if you plan on sharing a memory during the service.  

For those wishing to view the service from home, you can click the link below for live-stream footage.

If you are unable to attend the service in person, you are welcome to submit a remembrance video that will be played during the service.  You can upload your video by clicking on this link: https://www.tributeslides.com/up/328927083369 

Michael’s family chose to honor his memory through donations that support two of his biggest passions, biking and solar technology.  Memorials can be made in Michael’s name to 1MISSION Bikes Fight Poverty by clicking this link https://partner.1mission.org/fundraiser/2812706  or to the Solar Foundation https://www.thesolarfoundation.org/donate-in-honor-of-michael-la-marca/

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