Vincent 'Jim' Marchese | Optician, 91

Vincent "Jim" Marchese, 91, of Havertown, an optician, died of complications from cancer Tuesday at Little Flower Manor Nursing Home in Darby.

Mr. Marchese grew up in South Philadelphia. He lost both his parents by the time he was 13 and, while living with relatives, went to work as an errand boy with an optical firm. He worked for opticians until 1952, when he opened his own store in Overbrook.

Marchese Opticians stores are now in Drexel Hill and Narberth and are operated by his son, Louis, and two grandchildren. Mr. Marchese worked every day in the Drexel Hill store until becoming ill six weeks ago, his son said.

He was past president of the Pennsylvania Society of Dispensing Opticians. Though he learned on the job, his son said, he was an advocate of mandatory training and licensing for opticians.

Mr. Marchese was active with the Overbrook Lions Club. He enjoyed spending time at his summer home in Brigantine and following the Phillies.

His wife of 46 years, Lena Desiderio Marchese, died in 1986. In addition to his son, he is survived by a daughter, Camille Pica; a sister; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be said at 11 a.m. today at St. Dorothy Church, Burmont and Township Line Roads, Drexel Hill. Friends may call from 9 a.m. Burial will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple Township.