Salvatore Thomas "Big Man" Marchese Sr.

Mr. Marches was my drafting teacher at Delsea.

Sal Marchese was a progressive thinker, all the way back to the first graduating class at the new Delsea Regional High School he had Val Vasilieff & Myself present an assembly program for the entire student body on weightlifting, in those days frowned upon by trainers & coaches everywhere, college & pros. Val was an accomplished competitive Olympic weightlifter & won the AAU Mr. America title. Sal was happy with how it turned out & used this as the kickoff to the wrestling & football training...

So very sorry to hear of the loss of Sal. Remember him as a great teacher and outstanding football coach at Delsea Regional. Prayers for him and his entire family. May He Rest in Peace.

My coach, mentor and friend. In 1972, a 5'tall 88lb nervous freshman stepped on the wrestling mat for the first time. On the first day of practice while trying to learn my first wrestling move, Mr. Marchese said to me, "That was well done, what's your name?" He saw something in me that I did not see in myself. I don't think the opportunity to return to Delsea and spend the next 33 years as a teacher, coach and administrator would have happened if not for Mr. Marchese. Nothing but respect and...