Vincent 'Jim' Marchese, 91, started family business

Vincent "Jim" Marchese, who started in the optical business as an errand boy and wound up owning his own stores, died Tuesday. He was 91 and lived in Havertown.

Jim was born in South Philadelphia to Lucio Marchese and the former Maria Anastasia. By the time he was 14, both parents had died and he dropped out of school to work.

He was an errand boy for a Center City optician and learned the trade on the job. He was soon working in the lab and dispensing glasses.

He married the former Lena D. Desiderio in 1940.

In 1952, he opened a store at 63rd Street and Haverford Avenue, and moved his family there. Eventually, he opened stores in the Drexeline Shopping Center, in Drexel Hill, and City Line Center, in Overbrook.

His son, Louis, and grandsons came into the business. The last store was opened in Pilgrim Gardens in Drexel Hill.

Louis said his father never retired.

"He lived with my sister in recent years and she drove him to the store every day," Louis said. "He put in a full day. He was always healthy and in good shape."

Louis, who runs the Pilgrim Gardens store, said he just cut his father's last paycheck.

Jim was past president of the Pennsylvania Society of Dispensing Opticians, and was named Optician of the Year by the society.

He was also very active with the Overbrook Lions Club, and was honored to receive the Lions' Melvin Jones Fellow Award.

For relaxation, Jim enjoyed trips to the Jersey Shore and watching baseball on TV.

His wife died in 1986. Besides his son, he is survived by a daughter, Camille M. Pica; a sister, Rose Clement, eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Services: Funeral Mass 11 a.m. today at St. Dorothy Church, Burmont and Township Line roads, Drexel Hill.

Friends may call at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple.

Contributions may be made to Little Flower Manor, 1201 Springfield Road, Darby, PA 19023. *