Cherry Hill's 'Dr. Christmas' Dies 3 Days Before Holiday

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Dr. Robert J. Maro Sr., 87 of Cherry Hill, died after a fierce battle with parotid cancer.on Dec. 22, 2017. He was known as "Dr. Christmas" for his spectacular Christmas displays in Barclay Farms.

He was born on Feb. 18, 1930, in Philadelphia, PA. Bob attended LaSalle High School, LaSalle University and proudly graduated from Thomas Jefferson Medical College in 1956. He practiced family medicine for over 50 years in Cherry Hill, NJ.

In 1953, he married Doris O'Malley and together they had five children: Robert J. Maro, Jr. MD (Linda), Pat DeHart (Jim), pre deceased by his daughter Kathleen Frame (Ed), Joe Maro (Patrice) and Mike Maro (Carolyn). Also survived by 14 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, his brother Joseph Maro (Nancy) and many nieces and nephews.

Dr. Maro was a great diagnostician and dedicated himself to healing patients. He was active in the NJ Chapter of the American Academy of Family Medicine and was President of the Association in 1991. He loved being a physician and was named "Family Physician of the Year" in 2002.

A unique individual, Bob did things in a "big way" and was famous for his extravagant Christmas decorations in Cherry Hill and played Santa Claus for over 60 years in Barclay Farms. He was placed on the "Wall of Fame" in Cherry Hill for his contributions. Bob and his wife, Doris, were Philadelphia Eagles Fans and season ticket holders for over 45 years.

Please join us in celebrating his life! Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Visitation Tuesday evening, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesday morning, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Holy Eucharist Church 344 Kresson Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.

Mass of Christian Burial is Wednesday morning at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Colestown Cemetery, Cherry Hill, NJ. Special thanks to Dr. Gabriel Wong, (Virtua) & Dr. Joseph Curry (Jefferson), as well as Acacia hospice for excellent care. Memories can be shared at www.schetterfh.com.