Richard J. Marchetti's Obituary
Richard J. Marchetti, age 81, of Milton, DE, passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2011 at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes, DE, surrounded by his family. He was born in Hazleton, PA, on Wednesday, February 5, 1930, son of the late Silverious J. and Christina (Yanuzzi) Marchetti.
Mr. Marchetti spent his childhood in Hazleton, PA where he was the local messenger boy delivering packages and telegrams so everyone knew him. He graduated from Hazleton High School in 1948 and immediately enlisted in the US Navy. He served during the Korean Conflict as an Aviation Technician specializing in the development and evaluation of Early Warning Squadrons. In 1954 he enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Campus, majoring in Electrical Engineering. After completing the course work he was employed by various companies including Jet Tronics and Milli Switch Corporation, both in Pennsylvania, where he developed many patents. His first industry-changing patent was on his famous fresh juice vending machine. In 1975 he joined Callaboro Industries in Upper Darby, PA where he was the lead person in developing an industry patent for electronic cooling devices and PC board card holders; he also revolutionized the Metal PC Ground-R Guide. In 1985, Mr. Marchetti purchased Callaboro Industries and formed Unitrack Industries formerly of West Chester, PA, currently of Milford, DE. Mr. Marchetti was a dedicated President and Operator of Unitrack Industries until his retirement in 1994 when he proudly handed the reins to his son Clay who has carried on his Father’s legacy with great pride and success.
Mr. Marchetti was a member of the Lions Club of Norristown, PA; American Legion Post 28, Millsboro, DE; and the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA). He was an accomplished pilot who loved to fly his Light Sport Cruiser every chance he got. He enjoyed billiards, boating, sailing, traveling around the world, eating his cheese and olives, and most of all, he enjoyed being the handyman of not just the house but of the neighborhood. He readily dropped what he was doing to lend a helping hand. Mr. Marchetti loved telling stories – two of his favorites were the family boating rescue mission when they saved four people and the precious memories of time spent on the Isle of Capri in Italy with the love of his life, Natalie. Mr. Marchetti loved life and lived every day to the fullest.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Marchetti was preceded in death by his first wife of 32 years, Ethna “Mickey” (Jordan) Marchetti in May of 1986. He is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Natalie J. (Rachael) Marchetti; 3 sons: Jay Marchetti and wife Darlene of Balston Spa, NY, Clay Marchetti and wife Jennifer of Lewes, DE, and Bill Roney and wife Alexia of Loganville, GA; daughter, Dawn Hendricks and husband Bill of Milton, DE; 9 grandchildren: Nicholas Marchetti, Kyle Hendricks, Cameron Hendricks, Tony Marchetti, Crystal Hendricks, Keira Roney, Erinn Roney, Christopher Marchetti, and Paul Marchetti; 1 great grandchild, Benton Marchetti; sister, Rita Pilati and husband Louie of Hazleton, PA; his pet parrot, Skeeter; and many dear friends.
Funeral Services with Military Honors will be held on Friday, July 22, 2011, 11:00 AM at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958, where friends may visit beginning at 10:00 AM. Friends may also visit on Thursday, July 21, 2011, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at the funeral home. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests Memorial Contributions may be made to American Legion Post #28, 31768 Legion Road, Millsboro, DE 19966.
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