Obituary Listings

On January, 1st 2025 Joseph Marchione departed this world in the comfort of his wife Patty and daughter Allegra. Joe was born in Philadelphia in 1946 but spent his childhood in his beloved Vineland NJ. He was part of a lively, eccentric family, his older sister Connie who helped to develop his passion for classic cars, and his loving parents, Nick and Stella, who worked side by side, he, a respected family doctor and she his trusted office manager. The Marchione home was always filled with extended family and close friends who fostered Joe’s love for music and the arts. He often reminisced about his idyllic childhood.

His passion for music and art would propel his pursuit of a career in those fields. He attended Philadelphia College of Art where he studied Industrial Design. While living in Philadelphia he was the drummer for several bands and he often spoke fondly of the time he performed at the Electric Factory. During this time he also earned a pilot’s license from Embry-Riddle in Florida. Joe moved to Vermont in the 60’s where he bought a small farmhouse in Lake Elmore and converted a space for a sound studio. He continued to perform and record music but soon began to travel as a sound engineer for the Bedfords, Samantha Sang and Tavares.

In 1978 Joe moved back to New Jersey, first to Avalon and then to Absecon where he and Patty raised their children. Joe was thrilled to share his love for skiing, art, music, sports and toy trains with them. He could always be counted on to assist with a myriad of science and art projects and instilled that creative spirit in both of them. He was so proud of each and every one of their accomplishments and in his eyes they were perfect.

Joe was a man who never considered his job to be work. He spent 20 years with Harrah’s, first as lead sound engineer, and later as a systems designer for their other properties. He also worked as a designer for Borgata and Revel and a systems operator for Trump Plaza and Ocean. He truly loved his work so much that he never wanted to retire.

Joe was also a man of many hobbies and passions, the most prized being the restoration of his 1959 Lotus Elite. He loved that his little car afforded him the opportunity to travel up and down the East Coast, attending regional and national car shows with Patty, and often winning an award for his efforts.

He was also an avid collector of Lionel and American Flyer trains and all things nostalgic. He was obsessed with the Phillies and the Eagles, an avid reader of science fiction, a subscriber to the Philadelphia Orchestra for over 25 years and a jazz enthusiast since childhood. He spent the last few years as editor for the BMCSNJ club “newsletter”.

Joe had an exceptional ability to tell you a story, never missing a detail, sometimes exaggerating, but his eyes would burn bright when he talked about his car, his days at Harrahs, his children or the good old days.

Joe loved travel and wherever he went he always sought out science, history, art and military museums. He traveled all over Europe, South Africa and Mexico, but his favorite place may have been England, where he was able to meet and have lengthy conversations with some of his Lotus heroes, experience the Goodwood Revival and attend a Formula 1 race at Silverstone.

Throughout every chapter of Joe’s life he made many lasting friends. Joe had friends from his days in Philadelphia and Vermont, friends he made while on tour with various bands, work friends, train friends and car friends. Joe had the ability to strike up conversations with perfect strangers, find some connection and then kindle another friendship.

He had a big personality and his presence will be sorely missed by those who loved him.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Patty and his cherished daughter, Allegra (Austin), many cousins, nieces and nephews and sisters and brothers in-law.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Stella, his sister, Connie and his beloved son, Nick.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you make a donation to your favorite charity in Joe’s memory.

A celebration of life is being planned and details will follow.