John David Marziotti

John David Marziotti died peacefully on November 10, 2018, surrounded by his family, following a valiant battle with prostate cancer. John was born in New York, NY, on June 21, 1963, to Elsie (née Parkes) and Joseph T. Marziotti, Jr. The youngest of three, he was known for his charm, wit and wide circle of friends. John graduated from Lindbergh High School in St. Louis, MO, where he was an exceptional athlete and student. A gifted and passionate soccer player, John was a starter and 4-year letterman on a conference championship team brimming with talent. He earned an athletic scholarship to the College of Charleston, where his teammates recognized his natural leadership skills and elected him team captain. He treasured his time in Charleston, forming lifelong friendships and a deep bond to the city. Following graduation, on his 22nd birthday, John lost his beloved older brother Chris to cancer, which deeply affected him. He went on to attend law school at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, graduating in 1988.

John began his legal career as a maritime/oil & gas lawyer at the Houston firm of Griggs & Harrison, where he practiced for 15 years. During this time, he married and welcomed a son, Sam, and spent many happy years coaching him in West U baseball and other sports. In 2003, John became General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Newfield Exploration Company. Leading a corporate law department came naturally to John, who was admired by his colleagues and peers. John retired from Newfield in 2015 and happily spent the last few years working as Senior Vice President and Director of Professional Staff at Western Litigation, Inc. in Houston. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed cooking, traveling, hunting, and spending time with his many close friends.

In 2013, John married his best friend and the love of his life, Christine. Along with their three boys and two dogs, John and Christine cherished their life together. They spent as much time as possible at their home in New Orleans, savoring the best the city has to offer: Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, food, music, wine, art and family. They enjoyed memorable trips to Turks & Caicos and Rome, as well as many fun trips to the beach. John and Christine shared a love for the Lord and their Catholic faith, which sustained them through John’s grueling battle with cancer. 

John is survived by his wife, Christine Zebley Carbo Marziotti; his son Samuel James Marziotti; stepsons Jack and Tyler Carbo; his mother Elsie Marziotti; his beloved sister and friend Claire Marziotti and her husband Kerry Regan; James and Yvonne Parkes; his brothers and sister by marriage Laurie Zebley Darling, Greg Darling and Scott Zebley; father-in-law Robert Zebley and his wife Lennie Latham Zebley; and ex-wife Catherine Barr Marziotti and her family. He is preceded in death by his father, Joseph Thomas Marziotti, Jr., and his brother, Christopher James Marziotti.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, November 16, 2018 at 3:30 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6800 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX. The family will receive visitors in the church from 2:00 - 3:00. Father Ray Cook will officiate the service, which will be concelebrated by friends from the Legionaries of Christ. A private celebration of John’s life will be held at the family’s home and an interment will take place at a later date in New Orleans, LA.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Paul Corn and the entire staff at MD Anderson for their relentless efforts, as well as Heart to Heart Hospice, Father Ray Cook, the Legionaries of Christ, and countless friends and family who have offered prayers, meals and support. In lieu of flowers, John has asked that donations in his name be made to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, In Memory of John Marziotti, 391 Michigan Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20017 or to the Legionaries of Christ.