Michael A. Maronta

On Wednesday, April 24th, 2019, Michael Anthony Maronta, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at age 72 surrounded by family. Mike was born February 5th, 1947 in Long Beach to Alfred and Helen (Evans) Maronta. On February 5th, 1971, he married Colleen Marie Walsh. They raised two daughters, Tricia and Tiphanie.

From an early age, he was passionate about fixing things and solving problems using science and technology. He turned his passion into a 27 year career in engineering and construction after graduating from California State Long Beach in 1970 with a BS in Engineering. He was Owner/President of Hobbs-Bannerman Engineering, Inc. for 16 years. He also designed and led the construction of many renovations of their Seal Beach home over the course of the 48 years he lived there.

Mike also loved sports. He enjoyed playing both basketball and football starting at St. Cornelius and ultimately lettered in football at St. Anthony’s High School in Long Beach. Another passion was sailing, both fun and sport. Mike enjoyed taking friends and family out on the California coast or to Catalina. He and Colleen were members of Shoreline and Little Ships Fleet Yacht Clubs, the latter of which he served as Commodore. Eventually Mike served as Commodore of Association of San Pedro Bay Yacht Clubs. He was also a member of Marina Sailing group that raced up and down the Pacific Coast from Santa Barbara to Ensenada.

Another passion of Mike’s was working with HAM radios. Until his death, he participated in Seal Beach RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service), serving in several positions including Chief Radio Officer. He designed and built a number of radio and TV systems to facilitate emergency response in the event of a disaster. Mike also volunteered at the Seal Beach Police Department, assisting with their Emergency Operations Center upgrade. His outstanding participation in both these groups accorded him several commendation awards.

Family and friends were important to Mike. He could always be counted on to help out when needed (whether it was helping neighbors fix household problems or making sure his and Colleen’s aging parents were taken care of and able to stay in their homes). He was the life of the party and well known in the College Park West neighborhood as well as the greater Seal Beach community. He was a laid back and casual California guy, often seen around town in his Tommy Bahama shirt and shorts.

Mike and wife Colleen, loved to travel and were fortunate to enjoy many trips across the US and abroad. Many exciting times were spent on adventurous cruises and road trips. Memories of those trips, family gatherings in his home with “Chef Mike” barbecuing hamburgers or prepping prime rib dinners, teaching his grandson, Hunter “how things work”, will long be cherished.

Mike is survived by wife Colleen, daughters Tiphanie and Tricia, son-in-law Eric and grandson Hunter. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday June 1st from 11 am to 3 pm at Shoreline Yacht Club, 386 Shoreline Drive South, Long Beach, 90802.

As requested by his family, a donation can be made to Sepsis Alliance ( https://www.sepsis.org/ ) in lieu of flowers.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401