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Peter Marchand Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Peter Marchand
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Leo Rello
July 27, 2025
Another year gone by and another Legacy email reminding me of the passing of an old friend from my childhood summer days in Pinecliff Lake NJ. I will always cherish my memories of Pete ! I wish I had kept in contact with him over the years . Anyway my thoughts are with him today and also with Irene, Joan , Hank , and Jack. I´m a sentimental old guy so I can be contacted by email or cell phone . [email protected] or 917-831-0594 . Leo
Hank
July 27, 2020
We're in weird and difficult times, bro, and I'm thinking of you when I listen to Mott and Muswell Hillbillies and when I see the news that the Giants split a couple games with the Dodgers, baseball persisting as it does. There's so much in our lives now that we couldn't have imagined when you were here, but thanks for being with us in our hearts and souls and memories, you're helping us through -- I can tell you for sure that you're helping me and I would bet the same is true for others. I like to think you're watching the Giants play, and picking out a song on your guitar while the game goes on. Love you always.
The Pastels. TV shoot for Japanese TV. 1981. China Blue Studio, SF.
Blair Helsing
July 27, 2020
Last couple of weeks I've been in touch with Pastels bandmate Simon Somers on the East Coast. Simon's put up a website https://simonsomers.com/ containing some of his musical history including The Pastels. I pulled this picture from there. He has other pics including Peter, and there's some audio of the band recorded at Tom Mallon Studio as well -- we made a demo there. I think of Peter often and I miss him. I jammed a bit with our bandmate Ken Smith last August. Wish Pete could have been a part of it.
Leo Rello
July 27, 2020
The only memories that I still have of Pete were made over 50 years ago. Pete and I were basically just summertime friends in Pinecliff Lake , New Jersey. Our houses were two doors away . Him and his family lived there all year round while for my family it was just a summer house . Then the family moved away to Secaucus and I only saw him when he would come back to stay with his Grandmother who operated a dry cleaning business. I wish we had stayed in touch as we grew up but unfortunately we did not . One memory that has stuck in my head all these years is one that is not a very pleasant one . I remember a bee flying into Pete’s mouth and stinging him . Ouch!!! I do still hold other ones like he and I playing baseball together and watching Yankee games in Grandma’s house. I am very sentimental by nature and so I do think of Pete quite often. He was a great childhood friend and from all I have read about him he would have been a great adult friend as well. So on this solemn occasion my thoughts go out to not only Pete but his siblings Joan , Henry , and Jack. And his longtime partner Irene. Leo
At Pro Football Hall of Fame 10/87
June 25, 2018
Mom, Pete and Me 1959
June 25, 2018
Mike Ganim
March 7, 2018
I knew Pete from NJ. I have lived in California for about the same time as him. I ran into him a few times over the years. I just found out he passed away many years ago. May he rest in peace.
December 26, 2017
I look around me and feel you are ever so close to me.
Each tear that flows from my eyes brings back memories of you to me.
...Ray Davies
I miss you Pete and I love you.
Joan
xoxo
Brian Stupi
November 22, 2017
Tomorrow I will have a special toast to the toast master himself. Miss you Peter.
John Paul Marchand
November 21, 2017
Thinking of you, bro. I miss you so much and I miss our talks. I don't know how the universe works, but I hope we see one another again.
Much love,
Jack
Jack Marchand
April 26, 2017
Miss you, Pete. I think of you every day, I'll state yet again. Love you!
June 22, 2016
I love you and miss you on your birthday and everyday. Wherever your spirit lives, you will always be with so many who love you.
Joan
xoxo
Jack Marchand
February 25, 2016
Hey Pete, I was listening to a Bowie tribute, a newer artist named Lorde beautifully singing "Life on Mars". I began to cry and then I wasn't crying about Bowie anymore, I was suddenly missing you a lot in that moment. I wish I could just call you. Consider this picking up the cosmic apparatus. Hug. I love you.
August 17, 2015
I was wasting time on the internet and thought I'd see if there was anything on my old friend, Peter Marchand. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. He was a great friend, great guy, great roommate. We lived together in several SF pads in the late 70's early 80's. We spent many evenings at the old revival movie houses. I can still hear him doing his John Wayne imitation. I remember seeing the Kinks with him several times and every time when the lights came up I'd look over and see Pete with his breath taken away. He was the most fervent Kinks fan. So many laughs, so many good times. I was very happy when he and Irene met up. A perfect match. I've not seen him since he turned up on my NYC doorstep maybe 25 years ago. then we went out for what was to be our last pint or two together. I cherished those moments then and even more now. May you have the rest of angels as you surely were one on earth.
June 25, 2015
Love you bro. I'm seeing Rush next month, and I know you're jealous! Not.
Hank Marchand
June 22, 2015
I fully intended to take you to see the Giants for your 60th birthday, bro. They don't play today, as it happens, but tomorrow they're at home against the Padres and whether I watch it on television or listen to Kruk & Kuip on the radio, you'll be with me. Always loving you, Pete. Always will. -- Hank
July 25, 2014
There are no words to describe depth of the loss I feel...
Joan
July 14, 2014
I still can't wrap my head around the fact that you're not here. It's been really rough these few weeks since your birthday. I miss you as much as I ever did. I love you.
July 13, 2014
I love you bro, I think of you everyday. I miss your calls,and love you much. I hope you had a great jam up there on your birthday!
Hank
June 25, 2014
Three years ago today we were at the ballpark to watch the Giants, you and me and Rob and Cary. They won. Today, Tim Lincecum got two hits and a walk and pitched his second career no-hitter (both against the San Diegos). Go Giants!
June 24, 2014
As a way to remember you, AMC had "The War Wagon" on this past weekend. Happy Birthday Peter, we all miss you.
June 23, 2014
Happy Belated Birthday Pete! I still think of you often. Your friend, Leo.
Me & my bestie!
Dan Barbeau
June 23, 2014
Hank
June 22, 2014
Nice Giants game today. Mad Bum took a shutout into the ninth, a rookie named Joe Panik (gotta love the name) got his first hits and rbi, and the Giants won. Happy birthday, Pete. : )
July 10, 2013
Hank
April 27, 2013
I just read that George Jones made the team. Enjoy playing guitar and singin' with The Possum, Pete. Love always.
April 25, 2013
Miss your phone calls bro, and I'm sending my love to you.
April 23, 2013
Just saw Otto Preminger's Anatomy of a Murder with James Stewart and Ben Gazzara and had no one to discuss it with butthead.
Joan
December 26, 2012
Another Christmas without my big brother. My thoughts turned to you often as they do every day. I miss you and love you. xoxo
Leo Rello
July 27, 2012
It has been a year now since Pete left us. Even though I had not had contact with Pete for over 40 years his passing still hit me very hard. It still hurts because I only remember the "childhood" years with Pete. When I read all the beatiful things written about him by those who knew him their whole lives I know he grew to be the good guy I remember. I will always consider him being one of my best friends in life and will always have him in my thoughts.
irene rapoza
July 26, 2012
i love you.
Joan Camp
July 25, 2012
One year later and the pain is still so fresh. I suppose I will always feel this empty space inside. I was so fortunate to be Pete's sister and I hope somehow he can still feel the love I have for him. I will honor you Pete, today and every day by trying to be as loving a person as you were. xoxo
Hank Marchand
July 25, 2012
For a year now Pete has been "gone," but so strong is the love he gave and the love he inspired that he has been with me every one of these days, still enriching my life. I miss talking with him, yes, and I miss seeing him, miss hugging him hello and goodbye... but he's still a very present part of my life and always will be. I love you, bro, and I'm so grateful for you I can't begin to say.
Jack Marchand
December 26, 2011
I played your guitar quite a bit yesterday bro, I love you.
Leo Rello
December 23, 2011
I was a childhood friend of Pete's some 40-odd years ago up in Pinecliff Lake, N.J.. I was recently doing some research trying to find him again and was shattered to find out this sad news. I can remember times we spent together like they happened yesterday. Times spent sitting in Grandma's living room (Marchand Cleaners) watching a Yankee game. Or times we would go across the road to the baseball field behind the vegetable stand and just the two of us throwing and hitting the ball around. I always looked forward to when he would come visit in the summer at Grandma's house after the family move to Secaucus. He was one of my best friends of all time growing up and I am sorry we never kept in touch throughout our years. After learning of this news I miss him even more. My heart goes out to Joan, Henry, and Jack. Also to Irene who I only know as being the love of his life.
Joan
November 24, 2011
I'm missing my brother very much today. Our last time together was on Thanksgiving in 2008. It was a wonderful day. I'll be remembering that Thanksgiving all day. I love you Pete!
October 6, 2011
I happened to catch the last few minutes of "Love Me Tender" on tv the other night, and like every other time I see or listen to Elvis (which is often, considering the CDs and the very loud musical refrigerator magnet I've inherited), I felt Pete's presence very strongly. It occurs to me now that I don't know if anyone else is as responsible for whatever good qualities I possess -- and that certainly includes my impeccable taste in music and movies. Thanks, bro. I love you always.
Thinking about you today Peter
Blair Helsing
September 11, 2011
The Pastels, Tom Mallon Studios, 1981
Blair Helsing
September 11, 2011
The Pastels, Justin Herman Plaza, September 1981
Blair Helsing
September 11, 2011
Pastels on stage, 1981, Keystone Berkeley
Blair Helsing
September 11, 2011
When I brought my drums into China Blue Studios in Spring, 1981 to audition for The Pastels I was nervous and shy. I'd been playing in San Francisco bands for only two years, and started playing in bands only four years before. I could tell that this band had the potential to be something special. It was a pretty serious bunch of guys -- the two guitar players reminded me of gunslingers.
By the time I finished setting up my kit I'd started conversation with Peter, and right then and there I felt I had a friend (and a great rhythm section partner). For the next year (while The Pastels experienced a big taste of playing for Bay Area club audiences) whenever we got on stage my confidence (and even my happiness at being there) was boosted greatly by Peter's holding down the bass a few feet from me.
As I type this I'm listening to the demo tape the band recorded in May, 1981. I'm reminded of how Peter always had a way of letting me know that things were ok, and that they would be ok. I was really nervous (again) cutting that demo with the guys.
Just back in 2008, three of us in the band had dinner together (I can handle an evening out with gunslinger guitarists, no problem), and I asked the guys to sign and date one of our old posters. I wished then and I wish more fervently now that I'd had the chance to get Peter's signature.
In the few years we were friends, Peter was more warm, funny and considerate toward me than anyone could reasonably expect a friend to be. (The same goes for Irene). I will always treasure the experience of knowing Peter. And I add, "thanks buddy". - Blair Helsing
Wayne, Joan, Hank & Pete - Thanksgiving 2008
August 28, 2011
Pacifica, California pier
August 18, 2011
Joan, Jack, Hank & Pete Thanksgiving 2008
August 17, 2011
Dan Barbeau
August 16, 2011
I noticed, everyone at the memorial claimed you as their best friend, which speaks volumes about you, my best friend. I am regretful that after you got to 6th street, I wasn't as good a friend as I could have been, and you called me on that. Still, I regret not calling more, or coming down. Life is busy; there's always time, and you're never prepared to lose people really. I'm still unprepared for not hearing from you.
I'll miss the relentless triva, our verbal shorthand, and never having to explain what I was talking about, because you were always right there with me.
The Pastels (1980s); bass player Pete looking cool in his big shades.
August 16, 2011
irene rapoza
August 15, 2011
All is well
Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped away into the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other
That we are still
Call me by my old familiar name
Speak to me in the easy way you always used
Put no difference into your tone
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed
At the little jokes we always enjoyed together
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was
Let it be spoken without effort
Without the ghost of a shadow in it
Life means all that it ever meant
It is the same as it ever was
There is absolute unbroken continuity
What is death but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind
Because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you for an interval
Somewhere very near
Just around the corner
All is well.
Nothing is past; nothing is lost
One brief moment and all will be as it was before
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!
---Canon Henry Scott-Holland , 1910
Wanted to share this with all who miss Peter.
"Absolutely Sixth Street"; see http://youtu.be/30RxP_im9h4
August 15, 2011
At The Outpost on Sixth Street, San Francisco
August 15, 2011
Leslie Marchand
August 5, 2011
My Uncle Pete is still the only other person I know of who has seen the bizarre Davis and De Havilland flick, "In This Our Life." He was the guy who would answer the phone with a hearty, "hey-hey!" as if there was no one in the world he would rather hear from right at that moment but you. And it still cracks me up to think about that time we ate at an Indian restaurant, and he ordered "chicken vindaloo" because it was fun to say.
Every memory I have of my Uncle adds up to this: he enjoyed the hell out of life. That's the impression that will never fade.
I miss ya, Pete. Love always.
irene rapoza
August 5, 2011
i love you peter,
oh yes i do,
i don't love anyone
as much as you.
since you're not near to me
i'm blue.
oh peter, i love you.
Randy Rupley
August 5, 2011
From the first day I meet Pete we became pals. He is the best friend I've ever had. I always marveled at how he knew who played in what movie, on what team, or in what band. He would tell me it was useless information that wouldn't save anyones life or make him a dollar. He was the most talented, intelligent bloke I've ever known. Pete's compassion help many men to recover to a healthy life. I miss my friend. I am better man having known him. My love for Pete and his memory will never fade.
Ken Smith
August 3, 2011
Peter was my roommate, bandmate and friend. We shared a place for a number of years while I was in school at USF. He met Irene when Irene and I worked at the SF District Attorney's office. Peter and I played in a band called the Pastels. Irene managed the band for a period of time. He was an sweet and intelligent guy. Although we lost touch over the years I remember him fondly and the many things he shared with me and the good times we had playing in the band and hanging out at our Lake Street flat and the flat we shared on 4th and Balboa. I'll miss him. He was one a kind.
Jack Marchand
August 3, 2011
Everyone on here before me, my dear family, have said it all pretty much perfectly.
Pete and I really reconnected after he sobered and healed himself up a number of years ago. (With the amazing love of his friends at City Team as well.) He often helped me through some very rough times within the past few years. He would remind me in my slumps to be grateful for what I have, because many have a lot less. Though I wouldn't want the calls to end, no matter what was going on with either one of us, a goodbye on the phone still always felt like a hello in a strange way, it's hard to explain.
He would be the one to call me when a family birthday, anniversary, or any special event that would be coming up, he let me know whom in the family to call. He knew I could be at times a tad flighty in that regard, so it became a custom I enjoyed even if I remembered anyway. He would remind me with that funny, slightly nasal voice of his, that style of speech that sounded like he was from a 1930's gangster flick. It was an urban element that also had his Jersey roots. (With a bit of an old western thrown in too.) I loved these nuances that came naturally, because it would also encapsulate in tone how much he loved all of us somehow, and that tone in his voice always had fun, kindness, humor, and again love within. Always. He was the source of most of the laughter at our family gatherings, he was a master at telling a tale.
Pete handed down to my brother Hank and I the love of the British Invasion rock bands, that very profoundly shaped me on many levels. That made him god-like to me from early as the age of four. He opened up the door to that amazing magic that can be Rock and Roll. (Brother Hank carried that torch for me too, him being handed down the same magic first, especially when Pete moved to California. So that legacy always made me feel connected to him 3,000 miles apart, when I would listen to that music.
He once said to me not long ago that only in life and death situations, (or times that had to be pretty intense), was it justified to ever raise your voice at someone. I've seen him get angry, but I never heard him yell.
He was that kind of cool.
I too wish we had lived closer day to day, but he was over the years my big brother in such cool city. I loved visiting him there. Both he and the city he lived in will always be synonymous with one another. He really did live in the perfect place for who he was. He channeled all that is hip, positive, and cool about the city of San Francisco. Because again he was all that too.
It is true that his memory is so fun and loving that it brings equal parts heartache and joy right now. So like those goodbyes on the phone between us over the years, I don't believe I or any of us should ultimately say farewell. He may be gone in form, but he is very much alive in our hearts. Our connection will remain forever. This is not just a platitude, it's the real thing, baby. (A little bow to Pete's style right there.)
Our family gathers in San Francisco this Saturday, it will be a celebration. Deep down, it is only because of "where" I am writing this at the moment, that I write about him in the past tense. I'm not feeling that way, it's my mind that is seeing him as gone. He IS a great big brother, a great friend, an amazing man.
I am so proud of my brother, and I thank him for his love. I will never forget him, and wow I hope we hang again.
I love you Pete. Hello!
Brian Stupi
August 3, 2011
Peter was the person you could not help but love. His smile and laugh would cheer everyone up. Peter always knew what to say to make you feel better. He could find something he had in common with every person. He was the person who could engage anyone in conversation. He would tell the best stories and have you hooked the whole time. Peter would also listen to whatever you had to say. He would always warm your heart with his smile. My many memories of Peter will always comfort me and I will miss Peter greatly.
Dan Barbeau
August 2, 2011
Peter Marchand was my last best friend. The last friend who asked the right questions, knew the secrets and kept them, laughed at the same things, was always funny no matter the circumstance, and said he loved me at some point during every call. The measure of a friend, to me, is how little I must explain myself, and Pete always, always, knew what I was talking about. We had a verbal short-hand of funny, and when I was in the dumps, he provided the perspective that pulled me out. I am simply unable to fathom recent events, and sadly, my first call would have been to Pete.
Henry Marchand
August 2, 2011
I know I'll be thinking and writing about Pete for a very long time. He was my brother, my friend, my model of cool and humor; he was, as Wayne says here, a truly good person. He cared deeply for the guys he worked with at City Team, and he loved his family and friends with a love so strong and pure... we all felt it, we all knew it, and we are all so fortunate to have had Pete in our lives, and to have him still in our hearts and memories.
Here is the thing about Pete that's occurred to me recently and which I think suggests some small part of what makes him so special to so many people: remembering Pete is in itself the best solace for those who feel this loss so deeply. Spending time with him in memory lifts your spirits and makes the day a little brighter, even as your heart aches at his absence. I love him still and will always love him, and for the rest of my own life I will treasure the love he had for me and for my wife and children. That love is real, as the song says, and it will not fade away. Nor will our love for this wonderful man.
Joan Camp
August 2, 2011
For the first five years of my life, it was Pete and me. We were inseparable. People mistook us for twins. I wanted to be his twin. He was just about everything to me. My earliest memories are of the two of us sledding down the hill behind our house, hiding under our beds when the doctor came for a house call, swimming and fishing on Pinecliff Lake and the time we attempted to skip school. I was in kindergarten and he was in first grade. He told me we weren’t going to school and so we didn’t. That is to say until we were caught by our Mom and Grandmother.
As we got older and into our adolescence, we teased and tormented each other as brothers and sisters do. We spent much of our time playing hide and seek and kick ball and “army” with the kids in our neighborhood.
When we were teenagers, we questioned each other’s choices in clothes, music and friends. If anyone else questioned the same things, we always had each other’s back.
As young adults we grieved the loss of our mother together and did our best to get our younger brothers through it as well.
The day came a couple years later, when Pete informed our family that he was moving to California. I was excited for him. A bit envious too. I can still see his face as he drove away on his journey. I wholeheartedly expected him to come home sooner rather than later. I was wrong. He fell in love with the city of San Francisco and with Irene, (a transplanted Jersey girl herself) the woman he would love for the rest of his life.
They were together for many years. The good years, the bad ones and the darkest time you can imagine. Without going into detail, suffice it to say that at the time we lost him, Pete had been sober for five and a half years. He not only beat his demons. He crushed them and Irene was there for him. He then dedicated himself to helping others with the same affliction. I was so very proud of him. I’m so glad that I actually told him that not very long ago.
If you only met Pete once, you know he was friendly. You know he had a clever wit and you would find yourself at ease with him almost immediately.
If you were a friend of his, you know much more about him. You know he was very intelligent and very funny. You know he loved baseball. You know he loved old movies and music. Especially Elvis Presley, the Kinks and all things blues. You also know he was a musician himself.
If you were close with him, you know all of this and that he was kind and generous. He was a genuinely caring person with a great capacity for love.
There are three people, Hank and Jack and myself that know him as our big brother. We will cherish and honor his memory for the rest our lifetimes. Rest in peace petey w xoxo.
Wayne Camp
August 2, 2011
Pete was a fantastic brother in law who will be missed and was loved by everyone who knew him. It is just so sad and unfair that he had to leave us so suddenly and at such a young age. Anyone who knew Pete will have memories of his warm and loving nature, his great personality and his sense of humor. To put it simply, he was just a good person. I always wished he lived closer to us so I could have spent more time with him. Pete, we love you and will miss you. Rest in peace pal. Your Brother in Law Wayne.
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