Age 87, died peacefully after a lengthy illness on December 23, 2017, with his beloved wife, Lee (neé Kuhn) of nearly 60 years, by his side. Alex was born in Batavia, NY, on March 4, 1930 to Dan and Mary (Cesarano) Marchioli. He is survived by his daughters: Annette (Ron Stilwell) Marchioli of Richmond, VA, Juliette (Conrad) Theroux of Alexandria, VA; eight grandchildren: Isabella, Alex, Joey, Gabriel, Angelina, Genevieve, Madeleine and Celeste; brothers-in-law: Gerhard (Inke) Kuhn of Schwabmunchen, Germany, Fritz Nemec of Vienna, Austria; and cousins, nieces and nephews both in the U.S. and in Europe. While he had no siblings of his own, Alex considered his many cousins to be his brothers and sisters, and their children as treasured as his own.
A graduate of Batavia HS (’47) and the University of Miami (’54), Alex dedicated himself to military and civilian service for 53 years, traveling the world before returning to his hometown in 2007. Highlights of his distinguished career included leading 1,200 troops as the port commander in Saigon, Vietnam and directing the U.S. delegation to NAMSA in Strassen, Luxembourg. Although he was the recipient of many military and civilian honors, in his typical humble way, Alex spoke little of his accomplishments (and in fact, would be embarrassed that the family is making such a big deal about all of them).
A natural athlete, Alex lettered in all sports, boxed in college, golfed every chance he could, and from a very young age, was a particularly gifted marksman, leading his teams to multiple championships and besting shooters many decades his junior. A lover of the best Italian food, especially that made by his parents at the renowned Penthouse Restaurant, Alex enjoyed a good glass of wine, opera and traveling. A practical joker with a self-deprecating sense of humor, he found joy and comedy in life and in others.
Alex will be remembered as a passionate negotiator at work, a fierce competitor in sport, and a gentle, loving husband, father and grandfather, whose tough exterior belied a compassionate spirit with a generosity that knew no bounds. He was a man of integrity, always putting what was right ahead of what was easy or expected. Faith and family were the essence of his being, and while he spent the bulk of his adult life abroad, his commitment to his Catholic faith and love of extended family never wavered. He was always eager to provide both emotional and practical support wherever and whenever he saw an opportunity to be of service to others.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff of the NY State Veteran’s Home, who so lovingly cared for and about Alex in his final years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Parkinson’s research or the NY State Veteran’s Home, Batavia, NY.
The Marchioli family will be present from 2-4 & 6-8pm On Wednesday December 27, 2017 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020; Alex's family requests you join them in celebrating his Mass of Christian Burial 12:30pm on Thursday December 28 at Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart), with the Rev. David Glassmire, Officiating. Col. Marchioli will be laid to rest with full military honors in our Nation's most hallowed ground, Arlington National Cemetery.
THE FAMILY OF COL. ALEXANDER D. MARCHIOLI (USA-RET) IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.
