Frank "Gig" Marchese

He was preceded in death by his parents, Luigi and Addolorata Marchese; his brothers, Dominick, Charles, Jerry and Louis Marchese; his sisters, Dorothy Crupe and Antoinette Cioffi-Miller; brother-in-laws, Gerardo Cioffi, Sr., Ted Desso, Benjamin Crupe; and Joseph Miller, Sr.; and sister-in-law, Peg Marchese.

Gig graduated from Troy High School Class of 1945. He was known as one of Troy High’s best athletes and was a fierce competitor who lettered in football and basketball. He excelled in the 1943 and 1944 All-City Championship Football teams and was recognized for his excellence by being chosen unanimously as the 1944 “All-City Football Player.” Before continuing his football career, Gig served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during 1945-1946. He furthered his football accomplishments by playing center with the Troy Bull Dogs, a semi-professional football team from 1946-1950. Gig was also an outstanding softball player, participating on a number of championship teams during the 1950s and 1960s, and well known as an excellent bowler for many years, achieving an all-time high score of 297!

In 1971, Gig was inducted into the first Troy Boy’s Club Hall of Fame. He served as president of the Italian Community Center of Troy from 1977-1978. In 1989, Gig was selected as an “All Time Athlete” for football by the Troy Bicentennial School Committee. In 1995, Troy High School established the Edward C. Picken Troy High School Athletic Hall of Fame, with its first induction including 28 athletes from the previous seven decades. Gig was selected to be among these honored athletes.

Gig worked for the General Electric Company in Schenectady as a welder, until his retirement in 1980. In his retirement, in addition to spending time with his family, his passions were golf and routing for his favorite teams, the NY Yankees and NY Giants.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Evelyn Caraynoff Marchese; his daughters, Catherine M. Bennett and Dorothy A. Rakhra (Dr. Sharni Rakhra); his grandchildren, Timothy Bennett, Anisha Rakhra and Ashlin Rakhra; his sister, Louise Marchese Desso Bowen; sister-in-laws, Mary Phyllis Marchese and Josephine Marchese; and many nieces and nephews, as well as many other relatives and friends.

After a reception in Gig’s honor was held in VA where he passed, a celebration of Gig’s life will be held in New York and announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Soldier’s Heart, 500 Federal St., Suite 303, Troy, NY 12180 or www.soldiersheart.net; or American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312, or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be offered at www.nelsencares.com.