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Don Marchese Obituary
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HOLLY SPRINGS, NC - Don Patrick Marchese, 70, a native of Poughkeepsie, NY, died Tuesday, October 15, 2013, at his home in Holly Springs, NC.
Don was born on November 15, 1942 in Atlanta, GA and lived most of his life in Poughkeepsie, NY. He graduated from Arlington High School in 1960. He graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1964 and Masters of Education in 1965. While at Duke, he was a member of the football team and the Phi Psi fraternity. Following college, he was a teacher at Enloe High School in Raleigh, NC then spent his career working for IBM in Poughkeepsie, NY.
Don was a lover of history, nature, woodwork, and antiques. He loved being with people and imparting his vast knowledge. Don was a passionate reader, avid gardener and outdoorsman. An expert on Eleanor Roosevelt, he worked as the Program Director at Val Kill for one and a half years while on sabbatical from IBM. He loved sharing the story about dancing with Eleanor Roosevelt. Don was a collector of all good things including friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Anthony Marchese in 1979 and brother, Michael Anthony "Mick" Marchese in 2000.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 20 years, Mary Marchese of Holly Springs, NC; daughters, Kersten Fitzgerald and husband, Frank, of Moncure, NC and Beth Page Norman and husband, Adrian, of Southport, CT; grandchildren, Owen Fitzgerald and Chapman Fitzgerald of Moncure, NC, and Coco Norman of Southport, CT; his mother, Helen Marchese of Raleigh, NC; sister-in-law, Sandy Olson Marchese; and nephews, Bob Marchese and Luke Marchese.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.
Condolences may be made through:
www.brownwynnecary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Don Marchese
Sponsored by anonymous.
Bruce Hinton
January 19, 2016
Hi, my name is Bruce. Looking at some old school pictures from the 80's, I came across a letter that Mr. Marchese wrote to me. Growing up in Quebec city, Canada, I released some helium balloons up into the air with my name and address on a tag. Apparently, Mrs. Marchese found my balloons on a hunting trip with her husband and friends on Lobster Lake. So I googled his name and found a space to write my message. Peace be with you.
Mark Northrup
October 18, 2014
I can't believe it has been a year since we lost Don. Seems like yesterday but why wouldn't it seem that way. Don had such a impact on so many of us that we all feel the same way.
Our thoughts go out to Mary, Beth, Krestin and Mrs. Marchese. We love you all for the wonderful gift that of Don that you shared with all of us.
Mark and Barbara Northrup
Austin, Texas
October 17, 2014
Don and Mary,
Thinking of you and your family ...
Justin Mello
March 14, 2014
To the Family of Don Marchese
My name is Justin.. I am the occupant of the house in which he grew up in. I came to know him through his neighbor Bill Attkins, and I talked with him not to recently about the house, because I had some questions about it. Anyways, he was a gentleman, and a pleasurable person to talk with. I am sorry for your loss, and I have enclosed a picture of the house..
November 30, 2013
My name is Neil Buchanan. Don was my football and wrestling coach at Enloe High School in 1966. He is to this day the only man I have ever known that could get 110% out of a bunch of teenagers. The product of this is the fact that we won games that we really shouldn't have. The values Coach taught me at 16 have served me through Vietnam, my career as a law enforcement officer and in raising my three sons. I will never forget Don Marchese.
October 29, 2013
Dear Family,
I met Don through a mutual friend , Joe Moreng , a few years ago . We went backpacking together and had such a great time . Even though I didn't know him that well, he made such an impression on me . He was helpful , funny , and best of all a nice person to be around . I hope in the end , people will see me in the same light . So sorry for your loss .
Frank Bickel, Ridgefield,NJ
Phil Clutts
October 26, 2013
Dear Mary,
I only came to know Don in late 2006 through the Phi Psi e-mail network he established. I always enjoyed hearing from him, both with regard to “happenings” with brothers and in other exchanges between us. He was obviously a special guy loved by many, and I regret that I missed experiencing the “magic” that drew people to him. He was certainly a credit to the fraternity and to the human race in general. I offer my condolences and wish you and your family the best in coping with this enormous loss.
randall clark
October 25, 2013
Dear Mary:
The news of Don's death hit Bobbie and me like a ton of bricks! Rhino informed me early on, but only now can I bring myself to send our condolences (because doing so forces me to acknowledge the fact -some sort of denial I suppose).
Even though he's gone his memory will have a lasting presence. How can we forget his big smile, gracious generosity, kind sense of humor, and thoughtfulness. He just had a knack for making people feel comfortable and special. His knowledge of so many subjects was impressive. I treasure the arrowhead collection that he gave me and will always be honored that he thought enough of me to call me to discuss his illness.
Don was a great teammate and friend, and you two were a perfect couple. Please stay in touch. We love you. Randall (Sarge) and Bobbie
Randall Clark
October 25, 2013
Dear Mary:
The news of Don's death hit Bobbie and me like a ton of bricks! Rhino informed me early on, but only now can I bring myself to send our condolences (because doing so forces me to acknowledge the fact -some sort of denial I suppose).
Even though he's gone his memory will have a lasting presence. How can we forget his big smile, gracious generosity, kind sense of humor, and thoughtfulness. He just had a knack for making people feel comfortable and special. I was always impressed by his knowledge of so many subjects. I treasure the arrowhead collection that he gave me, and I'll always be honored that he thought enough of me to call me to discuss his illness.
Don was a great teammate and friend, and you two were a perfect couple. Please stay in touch. We love you. Randall (Sarge) and Bobbie
Lou Fisher
October 25, 2013
Dear Mary,
Barbara and I feel so sad about Don's passing. He was a special friend during my years at IBM and we kept in touch from then on, even this summer when he seemed hale and hearty.
Diane Phinney
October 24, 2013
It is with a very heavy heart that I write to say goodbye to the Golden Boy of AHS, Class of 1960. Don was an inspiration to all of us, the glue that brought us together and kept us together for over 60 years. He will forever be in our memories. Don has been in my life, as in many others, since Kindergarten. Our prayers go out to Mary and his family at this most difficult time. Don's bright light may have gone out on earth but it will glow forever in heaven. Love and hugs everlasting, your classmate and friend, Diane Tower Phinney
October 24, 2013
Dear Mary, and family, I was so sorry to hear about Donnie. He was such a great guy. So many fond memories of our high school years at Arlington High school. He had so much to do with us all connecting again on line and our great Class Reunions. My sincere condolences and prayers are with all of you.
Sandy (Freer) O'Sullivan. (Poughkeepsie, N.Y.)
Maddy Collinson
October 24, 2013
Dear Mary, Elise and Family,
Please accept our most sincere condolences,
We have fond memories meeting Don at Elise's and John's wedding party. Please Take Care!
Jim and Maddy Collinson
Barry Meehan
October 24, 2013
Our mutual friend, Lou Fisher, conveyed this terribly sad news. Don and I had great times in IBM. I will surely miss our annual birthday exchanges.
Jen and Ed Dorta-Duque
October 23, 2013
Dear Mary,
Ed and I were so sorry to hear about Don. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know If you need anything at all.
Warm Regards,
Jennifer and Ed Dorta-Duque
Three Mountain Inn
Jamaica, VT
Carolyn Hahn-Re
October 23, 2013
Dear Mary, my father and brother join me in sending condolences to you and your family. You are in our prayers as we remember getting to know Don and you at the Rogers family reunion in Maine.
With Love,
Carolyn Hahn-Re, Philip Hahn, and Philip Hahn, Jr.
October 23, 2013
Dear Mary, Beth, Kersten and Mrs Marchese,
With much sadness we send our sincere condolences on your loss. For 45 years Don was a dear family friend and brother. He was a generous, warm and giving person and will be greatly missed. With love and prayers, Rolf & Marlene
Ida and Bill Chisamore
October 22, 2013
Dear Mary,
So very sorry for your loss. We have happy memories of Don-especially his wonderful stories. He was a cherished friend and will be missed.
Our thoughts, prayers and caring are with you and your family at this time. Vermont won't be the same without him!
George Light
October 22, 2013
Mary,Helen and all the Marchese Family.
Don was a Lion Hearted Athlete,a Humanitarian with a soft loving heart and a friend to everyone that knew him.
We will indeed miss him and will remember him forever.Rest in Peace my friend.
John Engle
October 22, 2013
Dear Mary and Helen, I was shocked and saddened by the news of Don's passing. Don was one of those exceptional persons who makes one feel blessed that they have touched our lives. I went through all the school years of Arlington with Don and who can forget the impact that he had on the school and on everyone at the school. After a gap of 45 years, I got a phone call from Don to make sure that I knew about an upcoming class reunion – he had somehow contacted my older sister and found out how to reach me. He reminisced about our early years at the Trinity Methodist Church in Poughkeepsie where his mother Helen taught us at “Sunday School”. I always knew from those early days where Don received his strong sense of character and his tremendous zeal for life. Many will miss him.
October 22, 2013
Dear Mary,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We remember Don with fondness. Sincerest sympathies.
Sue and John Rogers
Brian Laffin
October 21, 2013
Mrs. Marchese,
I would like to give you the Laffin Family's heart felt sympathy to you. My father Mort Laffin, as you know, loved your husband's friendship. I was present many times when he would call Mort, while my father was battling his illness. The conversation would be light and fun. Probably very much like the conversations they would have had in high school. I was often answering the phone when Mr. Marchese would call and he would always ask me to call him Don, which I would not out of respect. The brief conversation would touch upon asking how my father was really doing and then move onto Duke basketball. I still have the signed copy of the Coach K book he sent my father at the Pines. The inscription from Coach K to Mort did not nearly mean as much to him as the one from his dear friend Don Marchese. I am sorry that we had no idea he was ill. In all the chaos of the last few years here in our own family I never got to really say thanks to him. So I will thank you for all that he did for Mort and I am sure they are cracking a joke or telling a story to each other right now. Please let me know if there is anything you need.
Sincerely,
Brian C. Laffin
Karen (Duffy) Bodo
October 21, 2013
Mrs. Marchese, Mary and Family, It is with a heavy heart that I send my sympathy. Don and I go back to elementary school and we had some great times at AHS. He was a wonderful and caring person. RIP, Don.
Helen with her sisters Florence and Vivian
Fred Ciminelli
October 21, 2013
Don's Barn #6
Fred Ciminelli
October 21, 2013
Don's Barn #5
Fred Ciminelli
October 21, 2013
Don's Barn #4
Fred Ciminelli
October 21, 2013
Don's Barn #3
Fred Ciminelli
October 21, 2013
Don's Barn #2
Fred Ciminelli
October 21, 2013
Don's Barn #1
Fred Ciminelli
October 21, 2013
October 21, 2013
Dear Mary
Don and I had so many years of friendship together. We hunted, ate too much rich food, and loved draft beer!
Don loved his fami ly, but especially your saving love for hi m, We
All loved your kindness, intelligence and STYLE.
The shadows grow longer now for all of us, but the wonderful memories still warm our days.
Susan and I send you our warmest love.
Bill Hoyt
Skip Woodruff
October 21, 2013
So very sorry ... I will always remember Don and his old Ford pickup which he loved so much.
October 21, 2013
Barb and I were very sadden to hear about Don. Mary, our hearts and prayers go out to you. Don us was so conscientious about including all of us in his activities. I would rendomly get emails for Don just checking o see what Barb and I were up to. He will be sorely missed.
Peace and grace Don.
Hap Bonham
October 21, 2013
Dear Mary and family,
Research suggests that happiness and longevity comes from connections with others – family, friends, others – and is not related to money, prestige, power…. In that case, all of us who were in the circle of relationships around Don Marchese are extraordinarily fortunate because that was what he was about – making connections, with him, between us. My wife Meg met Don for the first time at our 50th Duke Phi Psi reunion this spring. After talking with Don for ten minutes, we changed our plane reservations so we could attend the party at his house the next day. She had become part of that magical circle.
Reading the comments from Don's Arlington High School classmates on legacy.com, I realize that he was that remarkable connector for them as well, intent on gathering them together. I am not a religious man but if anyone ever demonstrated God's presence among us, it was Don Marchese. To Mary, his children, his mother, my Phi Psi friends, his classmates at Arlington High School, and I am sure – countless others touched by this man – I am so thankful to have known Don Marchese and I deeply mourn his loss.
Mike Glesk and Meg Lauerman
Bill Winters
October 21, 2013
I read of Mr. Marchese's passing and immediately I thought of my classmate Beth, hoping they weren't related - but alas, I was wrong. Beth, I am sorry for your loss - I lost my Dad in 1995. Thoughts and prayers from my family to yours.
Larry & Wanda Ciancio
October 21, 2013
Mrs. Marchese, Mary and family...Don, a long time friend and neighbor I share the sorrow that you feel today...I hope it is a comfort to you to know how much others care. My sincere condolences.
Phil Perine
October 21, 2013
As one of Don's Duke hiking buddies, I feel a special sense of loss. A year ago, Don and I were together for a rather treacherous hike from Lake of the Clouds Hut to Madison Hut in NH. It was a cold day with really strong winds and Don and I barely made it to our destination hut before total darkness. We had a great time talking about past and present experiences as we climbed up and down very steep and rocky hills. His efforts to organize the Duke Phi Psi's over the years were the singular reason that so many of us have stayed in touch. God Bless you, Mary. Bonnie and I hope to see you soon.
Family
Fred Ciminelli
October 21, 2013
Don and Mary, 2007
Fred Ciminelli
October 21, 2013
Don and Mary with the King of the mouser's
Fred Ciminelli
October 21, 2013
October 21, 2013
Dear Marchese family,
Knowing recently and intimately the pain in the loss of a spouse, I send my deepest sympathy to all of you. To those I have known well in my past - Helen and Sandy Olson Marchese - I hope that all of the memories of Don's wonderful zest for life with his family and friends will be of comfort. Don, my late husband and I shared many activities and friendships in our very young years and thoughts of him will remain an important part of my life's history. I was deeply saddened to read this news.
Kathy Kleckley Tallman
John and Judie McDonald
October 21, 2013
Dear Marchese family. I am very sorry to hear of Don's passing. I only knew Don from hunting with him and his many friends up in the Catskills. To this day, his friends still talk about their great times with him. Don was truly a special guy and I will miss his ever present big smile.
Good hunting Don.
Gail (Thorne) Cady
October 20, 2013
Our symathies go out to Marchese family, I remember Don and Micky when they moved to Poughkeepsie. I pass their house where they grew up every day. He was a wonderful friend. Condolensces to Helen (your grandmother). She was a very special friend and this is where Don got his start.
Barb Wetmore
October 20, 2013
Mary and Family, I am deeply stunned and saddened to learn of Don's passing. I have a good memory of chewing the fat with him and the guys in the barn this past year. The conversation turned to gourds (you never knew where the conversation might go with Don!) and I mentioned that I had a thing for gourds and the next thing I knew, Don disappeared and reappeared a few minutes later with this gigantic dried gourd that he insisted I take! He was generous with EVERYTHING, even gourds! That gourd rests on my fireplace hearth and I will always think of Don when I look at it. Thank you Don, for your generosity and warmth. You will be missed. I am holding you in my heart Mary, and sending prayers to God to bring you comfort and strength.
Anita Mannion
October 20, 2013
Mary and family, I am so sorry to read of Don's passing. I have wonderful memories of working with him at IBM and his venison pepperoni. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dick Havens
October 20, 2013
Mary and family members. As a Duke teammate, I realize that my life is better having had Don as a friend. Anne and I pray for strength for you. Don may be gone but memories last forever.
David Northrup
October 20, 2013
Our Condolences, Dave Northrup
Wally Lange
October 20, 2013
Dear Mary and family: Alice and I offer our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Everyone in the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity loved "Cheese" and Don forever will be in our hearts and thoughts. Rest in Peace dear brother.
Pam Horne
October 20, 2013
Mary, I am so so sorry to hear about Don. You and the rest of Don's family are in my prayers, I only wish I could do more.
Ted DeRochi
October 20, 2013
Mary, I was so shocked to hear of Don's passing. My heart goes out to you for your loss of this remarkable man. I will sorely miss all the wonderful Sunday morning conversations we shared.
Bill Wheeler
October 20, 2013
I knew Mr. Marchese at Enloe High School when he was my teacher in 1965. I will always remember him as a great teacher who inspired me to do my best.
Gabe Renzo
October 20, 2013
I remember Donny well from Arlington High School. He was a wonderful roll model for all of us underclassmen. He was a hero on the football field as well as in our lives! I'll bet Ol' Fritz Jordan will be glad to have him 'back on the team' !! R.I.P.Donny, you're in our prayers.
October 20, 2013
Dear Marchese family! We are so sorry for your loss, our hearts go out to all you. Beth and Kersten, I will always have fond memories of your father especially in regard to his interaction with both of you.
With our deepest sympathy
Mary and David Melville
Adam Cywar
October 20, 2013
So sorry to hear of Don's passing. Had the great pleasure of working with him at IBM. RIP Don.
Jack & Sue Bradley
October 20, 2013
Have many fond memories of all the fun we had at AHS. We are sorry to hear of his passing and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Marylou & Keith Convery
October 20, 2013
To Mary and Mom we are so shocked to hear of Dons passing. He was a great friend and will be missed by many.
Bill Dickett
October 20, 2013
I was very sorry to read about Don's passing. He & I along with a few others car
pooled to work every day for several years from his home in Clinton, NY to
IBM in E. Fishkill. He will be missed.
Bill Dickett Town of Clinton, NY
John Drews
October 20, 2013
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Don's passing. I simply cannot believe it. We just saw him at our Duke Phi Psi reunion in April. He looked the picture of health and was his usual ebullient self -- kidding, hugging and caring for everyone else. I will very much miss checking my email and feeling delighted when I saw another update from Don.
My wife Brigitte and I prayed for Don, his wife and family this morning at Sunday services. We will continue to do so and offer our deepest sympathies to all who cared for and loved Don.
October 20, 2013
Mary,Helen and family; I know the past few days have been unbearable. I hope knowing that he lived his life making people smile will help to comfort you in days to come. JoAnne Aliotta Drivas
sunny rosso
October 20, 2013
Dear Mary and Helen: I am so very saddened to hear of Don's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you both. He shall certainly live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Phil Weisberg
October 20, 2013
I still remember Don jumping over would be tacklers when he played junior varsity football. He was well respected because he was very respectful.
Charles Mc Kenna
October 20, 2013
Mary, Helen, & family,
My deepest sympathy to the family for the loss of such a great man. I will never forget the hours Don & I spent on the phone & internet to fulfill one of his goals, reunite his Class of 1960, Arlington High School, which he did. We talked often challenging each other as to what class was the best... Don, I and everybody will miss you dearly, Charlie
October 19, 2013
MARY AND FAMILY, MY LOVE TO YOU ALL, ON WHAT AM SURE HAVE BEEN THE SADIST OF DAY. JoAnne Aliotta Drivas
Colin B
October 19, 2013
You were always a lingering presence of wisdom and worldliness to me. There are so many memories of you, such a great family friend. We will miss you
Arnold Sheer
October 19, 2013
Don was my cherished friend from the day I moved to Arlington Junior High School. He was the most kind and gentle person I have known. I will miss our long telephone conversations and just knowing he was out there. If anyone goes to heaven it will be Don. Love you Don your friend Arnie
Bruce and Andrea Tyson
October 19, 2013
Dear Mary and Helen,
Don's passing leaves us all in sorrow. Our shared fortune is his legacy – befriending and loving the folks he met. He lit up any occasion with his boyish, innocent smile and positive attitude. How lucky we are to have known this passionate, knowledgeable, energetic, and giving man. Our care and sympathy are with you as you move through this challenging time.
With much love,
Dave & Carol Casement Lewis
October 19, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mary and your family at this most difficult time of the loss of Don....We have many fond memories of our dear friend, Don. Sending our deepest sympathy and condolences.
October 19, 2013
What a loss to our class and to so many of us personally. We will miss his leadership.
Alex
October 19, 2013
My eyes are filled with tears and my heart feels so much sorrow. Don was a classmate through high school at AHS. It was a given that he would arrange the plans for getting the class together through the years. He will be missed by all who knew him. I would like to think that he is already arranging things for all those who passed before him. Vera Tinkelman Goodman
Mark Northrup
October 19, 2013
Don and I have been close friends since 1950 when I moved to Poughkeepsie. Don's Mom and Dad were like second parents to me and Don has been like a younger brother as we grew up together. I am saddened to lose Don and I offer my deep condolences to his Mom, his wife Mary, the children and grad children who he loved so much. It is a sad day for all of us.
Mark Northrup
Austin, Texas
Guy Aliotta
October 19, 2013
My condolences to a great, loving person and may he rest in peace ~ Amen!
Doug Parsons
October 19, 2013
Don's passing leaves a terrible sadness in my heart. He was one of my dearest and most special friends and my memories of him will be cherished always. I learned something from Don virtually every time I was near him. Dear Mary, please know that everyone loved Don and everyone whose life he ever touched will miss him deeply.
Fred Ciminelli
October 18, 2013
Dear Mary and Helen, I am thinking of you in this time of sorrow. I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was a wonderful person, talented, and a dear friend. He will always live in our hearts and prayers. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
With love and sympathy,
Fred Ciminelli
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