Marco Joseph Magnano Jr.

Marco Joseph Magnano Jr.

May 15, 1942 – December 1, 2025

Marco Joseph Magnano Jr., esteemed husband, father, grandfather, and respected member of the Seattle community, passed away on December 1, 2025. Born in Seattle, Washington, on May 15, 1942, Marco was the eldest child of Marco Joseph Magnano and Darlene Josephine Magnano and remained deeply rooted in the city throughout his life.

Marco received his early education at St. Anne's Catholic School of Queen Anne and Seattle Preparatory School, before graduating from Stanford University in 1964. At Stanford, he was a member of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity, and served as captain of the varsity cheerleading squad—an early sign of the energy, enthusiasm, and school spirit that would define him throughout his life. He subsequently served in the Peace Corps in Colombia from 1964 to 1966, an experience that profoundly shaped his outlook and affirmed his lifelong commitment to service.

In 1969, Marco earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Oregon School of Law. That same year, he married the love of his life, Sheila Shannon McHugh, with whom he would share 56 years of devoted partnership. Upon returning to Seattle, Marco began his legal career in the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office before joining Foster, Pepper & Shefelman in 1976. Over the course of nearly four decades at the firm, he distinguished himself as a dedicated attorney and trusted colleague, retiring as a partner in 2013.

Marco was a longtime Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and Parishioner at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Magnolia; a member of the Board of Trustees and recipient of the Alumni Distinguished Service Award at Seattle Preparatory School; and a President of the Seattle Tennis Club where he oversaw their massive renovation in 1999-2000.

He enjoyed boating all over the country with his Stanford Fraternity brothers, especially on Opening day in Seattle, where they would wear matching bright red shorts and hats. He was passionate about holiday family traditions such as celebrating July 4th at his family home on Bainbridge Island and the Magnano family St Stephens day dinner every Dec 26th.

Marco is survived by his wife, Sheila; his siblings, Jean Magnano Bollinger (Lee Bollinger), Patricia Magnano Madsen, and Milo Magnano (Marianne Magnano); his son, Marco Joseph Magnano III (Molly Detgen Magnano); and his four grandchildren, Mary Josephine Magnano, Margaret Elizabeth Magnano, Marco Joseph Magnano IV, and Cheri Jordan Magnano. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his sons, Michael Thomas Magnano and Matthew McHugh Magnano.

Marco will be remembered for his generosity, integrity, and unwavering faith. He possessed a remarkable ability to listen with care, communicate with clarity, and forge genuine connections with people from all walks of life. His loyalty to family and friends, coupled with a spirited love of sports—particularly Seattle teams—were hallmarks of his character. His devotion to the Catholic Church remained central throughout his life.

The legacy Marco leaves is one of constancy, kindness, character, and quiet strength. His presence enriched the lives of all who knew him, and his memory will remain a lasting blessing.

Marco's life and legacy will be celebrated at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 3218 West Barrett, Seattle WA 98199 on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. The Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Paul Magnano. A reception will be held in the Parish Hall immediately following the Mass. A private family interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions in Marco's memory may be made to: Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, or Seattle Preparatory School, 2400 Eleventh Avenue East, Seattle WA 98102-4098, or Christ Our Hope Catholic Church, 1902 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101.

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home ~ Seattle, Washington

www.emmicklakeview.com/obituaries/Marco-MagnanoJr