Todd Marrone, a well-loved husband, father, teacher and artist, died suddenly on Christmas Day according to a letter to parents and guardians of students posted on the Lower Merion School District website on Thursday.

Marrone was a member of the Welsh Valley Middle School staff for 16 years, where he served as an art teacher and gifted education teacher, according to the letter posted by Welsh Valley Middle School Principal Chris Hall at approximately 4:45 p.m. on Dec. 26.

"We will miss his brilliance, his sense of humor, his passion for education and his boundless creativity. He made a significant and lasting mark at Welsh Valley and positively impacted countless students, families and staff members. Todd was also an acclaimed artist and an active and engaged resident of the district, well known throughout the community and beyond," Hall said in his letter.