Carl D. Marotta | Packaging developer, 77

Carl D. Marotta, 77, of North Wales, who developed specialized packaging for the health-care field, died of coronary artery disease Wednesday at Abington Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Marotta was born in Luzerne County and graduated in 1949 from the Mining & Mechanical Institute, a high school for miners' children in Freeland, Pa.

He won a scholarship to Lafayette College and graduated in 1953 with a degree in science and chemistry. A chemist for the Army, Mr. Marotta served two years at Fort Meade, Md., and was honorably discharged as a private in 1957.

Son Mark D. Marotta said that in the 1960s, his father led the way in developing adhesive-coated materials for the pouches and lids that kept medical devices sealed and germ-free.

Tyvek, usually identified with home sealing, could be made to withstand the heat of sterilization; Mr. Marotta used it in his work at Paper Manufacturers Co. in Northeast Philadelphia for 17 years.

In 1987, Mr. Marotta joined TOLAS Health Care Packaging Corp. in Feasterville as vice president.

He bought the firm and served as president until 2006, when he sold the company and retired for health reasons.

Mr. Marotta married Susan Lowry in 1958. They divorced in the late 1960s. He married Lianne Khoo in June 1981.

In addition to his wife and son, he is survived by another son, Michael F.; daughters Catherine F. Aucella, Stephanie A. Marotta, Shani Parsons, and Wendi Tow; two brothers; and five grandchildren.

Friends may call after 10 a.m. today at the Lamb Funeral Home, 101 Byberry Rd., Huntingdon Valley, where a service will begin at 12:30 p.m.

Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery, Huntingdon Valley.