Larry Marotta

Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Picture an only child brought up by an Italian-American family in The Bronx, NY, in the 50s & 60s. Sundays were when the extended family gathered at church for some, others not-so-much, and an extended lunch at grandparents that seemed to stretch on to dinner. There was always freshly made pasta and a Sunday Sauce of meatballs, sausages, and braciola simmering on the stove since early in the morning. The “conversation” could be deafening, as everyone tried to talk over everyone else. Fast-forward to today, it’s my wonderful girlfriend Felicia and I photographing on some local trail or cooking up a more diverse menu to sustain us through the week. That is, when we’re not sipping wine somewhere along California’s wonderful Central Coast.

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Even as a kid, I always gravitated to public service in one way or another. So, it was not a surprise to find myself volunteering to report news on Fordham University’s 50,000 watt student-run radio station, WFUV, in New York City. At the start of my freshman year, I found myself on-the-air within weeks, reporting campus news, which led to on-air host, engineering, and, eventually, Program Director. This set me on the path to positions at the ABC Radio Network, ABC corporate, and the American Forces Network. AFN is a Department of Defense operation that provides American radio and television service to our military personnel and their families stationed around the world and on Navy ships at sea. I spent most of my broadcast management career at AFN, starting as Production Manager and ending up as Director of Television. My interest and passion for broadcasting started as a child, listening to every radio station in the New York metropolitan area and capturing distant city AM-radio signals at night when they travel further. The driving force for so many people who worked in the industry during the 50s, 60s, and 70s was public service through news and entertainment. It was then considered a public trust with high standards to maintain. And I felt so lucky to have the opportunity to contribute what I could.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Felicia and I are pretty good cooks, so when we dine out, the bar is set pretty high. The Diplomat stands apart from so many other Mediterranean restaurants for its quality of ingredients and its execution. Another stand-out is Grano in Duarte for its many authentic Italian dishes. And, a secret I hesitate to give away is Babita Mexicuisine a little further away in San Gabriel. Go early or late and you’ll get to speak with Chef Roberto who greets diners at their tables before or after the dinner rush. It’s like dining in a world-class restaurant in Mexico City.

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My late wife Liz and I moved into Monrovia in 1990 and I just can’t imagine living anywhere else. When I think about our convenient location, the assortment of stores and recreation that we have, and the hint of small town feel that still remains, it’s hard to picture giving that up for anywhere else.

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Now that’s not a fair question. There are so many. But if forced to choose, I’m going to have to name a couple who individually and collectively make up a pair of Monrovia’s greatest treasures. That would be Katie Gundersen and John Watson. I don’t know how they do it. They are involved with so many public service activities in our community and they’ve been doing it for decades.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
On top of my list is a return to Sicily, where all of my grandparents were born. The history and culture are so complex, as are the people. Even in a lifetime of visits, I don’t think I could ever scratch the surface. Another place would be Spain, which gets so much less attention than Italy and France, but deserves to be experienced for its unique qualities, culture and people.

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
What comes to mind are Network and W1A. Most people probably remember Paddy Chayefsky’s 1976 film, “Network,” with William Holden, Faye Dunaway and Peter Finch. Such a classic and, unfortunately, so prescient. It amazed me then, and it amazes me still, to this day. It’s a study of human nature that just gets better and better. The British television series W1A is more obscure, but hilarious. Dialogue so rapid and clever that you’d be well-advised to turn on the closed captions and to keep your finger on the rewind button to fully appreciate it. I believe it’s available on BritBox or rental/purchase online.

Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t give advice unless it’s requested.

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Well, I’ve already jumped from a perfectly good aircraft, so a more down-to-earth response would be to travel to destinations and stay for a month rather than the usual one week. I would love to spend a month in Rome, London, Paris and get to know the cities at a more deliberate pace. And Felicia and I will do that.

Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I can’t say I have only one. I don’t even have a go-to genre of music, let alone a single band or artist. I’ll listen to oldies, classical, jazz, blues, Latin, R&B, in equal rotation. Whatever the mood dictates.

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I was heartbroken when The Monrovian recently closed. Their bakery was world-class and the pizzas rivaled the best anywhere.

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Jimmy Carter. Talk about someone who walks the walk! He has done so much to make for a better world and set a good example more than anyone I could think of. And so selflessly. I’d probably meet him at The Derby because the setting is perfect for serious conversation.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Monrovia or something unique about our community that you like?
What I like most about Monrovia is that there still is a good deal of small-town feel. I like that everything is so close and I don’t have to spend time in traffic or hassle with parking. But, mostly, it’s the community spirit of the people who live here. People go out of their way to help where it’s needed.

Q: What is your greatest regret?
Seeing how much more divided the world is now than at anytime during my life.

Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m an introvert who loves thoughtful interactions with others.

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Ah, I’d have to say the national and state parks in Utah. Zion, Arches, Canyonlands and so many others just dazzle the eye and excite the photographer in me.

Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Leading a team that created eight worldwide television channels featuring a showcase of American television for our troops and their families stationed overseas.

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Being at peace with oneself.

Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Knowing that I can make a difference.

Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
The forest and a good glass of wine.

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Felicia. Comfort. Peace.