Michael X. Marchese

Michael X. Marchese, Sr. of Plymouth Meeting, PA, died on February 5, 2026, at the age of 84. He was born in Norristown, PA, on July 16, 1944, to the late Harry and Pauline (Nicola) Marchese. Michael is remembered mostly for his work ethic, and for his ability to utilize the skills he acquired at an early age from going to work with his father. When acknowledged for his operating techniques, he would humbly thank his father under his breath. As a teenager, Michael knew that he had found his purpose in life, and at age 16, he became a member of the Local Union of Operating Engineers, 542.

At a young age through his high school years, after starting a family with Adelaide Russo in '63. Michael continued to work with his father in the family business Marchese Pontiac and GMC. He owned Marchese Car Wash, built on an adjacent lot on Ridge Pike. The design was so far ahead of its time, that it is almost identical to Armen Cadillac's car wash, 25 years later. Michael loved his car wash, and it was a success as a result of work ethic.

Michael and Adelaide "A" were blessed to have three healthy children (Michele, Jackie, and Michael) and raised them together for 20 years. In 1986, Mike and "A" agreed to divorce, sharing custody of the younger children.

As the divorce brought cohesiveness in the family, tragedy broke the individual pieces. The only son, bearing the Marchese name, was killed riding his dirt bike, one month after turning 16. There wasn't a day that he didn't think about Michael Jr, never thinking it could happen again, until it does. This man set precedence for surviving loss and betrayal and not become bitter.

Michael loved getting up before the sun, and sometimes worked until sunset. He would often skip lunch and his daily medication to maintain his diabetes, claiming that his machine would not let him stop. This love for his craft sustained Michael, and was grateful for the escape it provided. His faithful backhoe, loyal bulldozer, and part-time plow on the side, saw him through the devastating loss of his father to brain cancer, the dissolution of his marriage after 20 years, and the tragic loss of his only son, at age 16. When he could no longer get up on the machine without fear of falling, Michael had to mourn his greatest love. He was forced to redefine his identity without the gift that gave his life meaning.

Michael is survived by his daughter Jacquelynn Marchese, his son in law, William Ernest DiSanto, II, and grandchildren: Alexandria DiSanto and William Ernest DiSanto III. Michael's sisters with their loving and loyal husbands stepped up to be the village in caring for Michael's children and grandchildren. Anne and Anthony Cutillo, and Jacquelynn and Manfred Weber raised their children together from birth. This created a strong foundation for an extended family unit.

Michael never thought he would have been pre-deceased by 2 out of 3 of his children Michael X. Marchese Jr., and Michele A. DiSanto.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Mass on Monday, February 16, 2026 at 10:00AM at Holy Saviour Church, 407 E. Main Street Norristown, PA 19401. The visitation will be from 9:00-10:00AM at the Church. Interment will be Private. Memorial donations in Michael's name can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/. Condolences may be made and memories shared at www.ciavarellifuneralhomes.com.