Glenn Mara
GLENN DAVID MARA Obituary
Glenn David Mara, 75, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away peacefully on July 31st, 2025 at home holding the hand of his beloved Wife Elizabeth, and surrounded by his Children and Brother. A celebration of life service will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery and Funeral Home on August 14th, 2025, at 10am.
Born in Midwest City, Oklahoma, on July 23rd, 1950, Glenn graduated from Cortez High School where he fostered his deep love of music along with classmate Alice Cooper. He played in various rock bands in high school.
In 1970, Glenn was drafted into the United States Army as an 11B Infantryman and subsequently deployed to Vietnam. While in Vietnam, he met the love of his life, Elizabeth (Lien). Returning to the States in 1972, he made a great effort in engaging Senator Barry Goldwater to help bring Elizabeth’s Parents and Daughters to the US. He was successful as they made it to the US in 1975.
GLENN DAVID MARA Obituary
Glenn David Mara, 75, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away peacefully on July 31st, 2025 at home holding the hand of his beloved Wife Elizabeth, and surrounded by his Children and Brother. A celebration of life service will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery and Funeral Home on August 14th, 2025, at 10am.
Born in Midwest City, Oklahoma, on July 23rd, 1950, Glenn graduated from Cortez High School where he fostered his deep love of music along with classmate Alice Cooper. He played in various rock bands in high school.
In 1970, Glenn was drafted into the United States Army as an 11B Infantryman and subsequently deployed to Vietnam. While in Vietnam, he met the love of his life, Elizabeth (Lien). Returning to the States in 1972, he made a great effort in engaging Senator Barry Goldwater to help bring Elizabeth’s Parents and Daughters to the US. He was successful as they made it to the US in 1975.
During the late 1980s to early 1990’s, he and his wife owned a well-reviewed, well-loved Vietnamese restaurant in Phoenix named Tự Do. Glenn enjoyed being a restaurant owner and relished in being able to be the restaurant’s handyman while his wife and mother-in-law cook and tended to customers.
Glenn graduated from Glendale Community College with a degree in Business Administration. He spent over 47 years with the Arizona Department of Transportation as a highly respected logistics manager and was known for his dedication to the State and community. Glenn loved playing his guitar, was a highly accomplished martial artist – he loved kung fu! He valued his time with his Wife, shopping in thrift stores, and eating lunch at their favorite Vietnamese restaurants.
Glenn was preceded in death by his Father, Peter Mara and his Mother, Connie Mara. Left to carry on his legacy are his Wife, Elizabeth Lien Mara, his Brother, Ed Mara and Sister, Julia Miller, his Daughters: Michelle (Matt), MyLe (Damien) his five Grandchildren: Ciara (Steve), Nicole, Rachel, Ian, Drake, and first Great-Grandchild, Lucy Evelyn, and his beloved ever-faithful Doberman, Max.
Glenn will be remembered for his wry sense of humor, unwavering integrity, his love of the greatest rock and roll hits of the 60’s and 70’s and love for his family. His presence, life stories, and insight were gifts to everyone who knew him.