Joseph “Light” Marchese, technical director/production manager of The John Drew Theatre, died at St. Charles Hospice in Port Jefferson, NY on December 2 after a long and valiant battle with brain cancer.
Marchese was born on September 9, 1958 in Albany, NY. He was a committed and respected member of the entertainment community for over 29 years, having worked in NYC as stage manager of the Bottom Line, production manager at the Ritz nightclub, and technical director of the Limelight. All while touring with Metropolitan Entertainment and doing one-offs for Iggy Pop, Sade, and Off Broadway plays. He moved to East Hampton to provide a more stable environment for his family.
He was a devoted and loving husband to his wife, Lea; and beloved father to his three children; Joseph Jr., 18, Alex, 13, and James, 16.
Members of Guild Hall recently organized a memorial service for their beloved technical director. Over one hundred people who knew and loved Mr. Marchese attended and shared their memories, condolences, and thoughts.
Tax-deductible donations to help the Marchese family can be made by writing a check to The Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons with the memo line "Joe Marchese."
Donations can be mailed to:
Joe Marchese, c/o Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons,
111 Saint Andrews Road,
Southampton, NY 11968