The late “Good Samaritan” Michael Marchese could be seen driving his pickup truck on nearly any street in the city.

“Good Samaritan” was written on the sideboard of the truck, signifying the alter ego that this devout Catholic adopted from the parable of a Samaritan man who saw another man lying beaten along the road.

In the story in Luke, the injured man was implied to be Jewish — someone with whom, at the time, Samaritans were not to intermingle.

But that was Marchese’s persona — being a servant to others, lending care and concern to someone in need, without being asked to, regardless of who they were.

A lifelong member of the former Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, his involvement in the church went beyond Sunday services by living his beliefs through his actions and dedicating his life to serving others while doing so with humility and grace, according to his obituary.

Love for volunteering knew no bounds

Marchese, who passed away on Nov. 7 at the age of 90, had a boundless energy he put toward the betterment of his community.

“He had a very generous heart towards children and schools in our area, donating to their many causes,” said Jon Kemp, who had worked alongside Marchese for over a decade at the city fire department.

“Giving to the community was never just a job for him, it was his life’s work,” he said. “Mike was always looking for someone he could help in their time of need.”

The retired firefighter, whose tenure with the Bureau of Fire lasted 23 years, would, on his off time, go into classrooms to instruct students on ways to prevent fires.

“He had a heart of gold,” said retired city Fire Chief Butch Anthony, recalling his time with the fire department and his off-duty commitment to fire prevention, preservation of fire department history and a happier community.

Anthony said he and his twin brother, Harry, were seen everywhere in the city, oftentimes together. Harry died at age 78 in 2013, and also worked for the Bureau of Fire from 1963 until retiring in 1989, giving 26 years to protecting the citizens of Williamsport.

His brother carried on serving for the both of them.

“Mike was the one who pushed for the Smokey the Bear commemorative stamp,” Anthony said.

Marchese often could be found in the classrooms of schools throughout the region. He recognized how the impressionable youngsters related to the iconic bruin who urged Americans: “Only you can prevent forest fires.”

Smokey’s message inspired Marchese in March 1977 to launch what would be a seven-year campaign to see the bear become a commemorative postage stamp.

His most ardent supporters for the stamp were the children he instructed and spoke to over the years.

Marchese once estimated he sent more than 100,000 letters, cards and posters to the Postal Service urging it to put the mascot on a stamp, based on a UPI article in 1984.

Marchese contributed $2,100 out of his own pocket to the cause — most of it, ironically, for postage to mail repetitive letters to U.S. representatives, governors and celebrities asking for their support.

During his campaign, Marchese became incredulous when a stamp honoring actor W.C. Fields was released because, he said, the actor despised dogs and children. But, in 1984, the Smokey Bear stamp was issued to mark the 40th anniversary of the famed mascot, based on a bear cub who was rescued from a forest fire.

Fire safety instruction

Marchese contributed to and raised funds to purchase the first fire safety trailer, which he brought to schools to teach the youth about fire safety and prevention.

Over the years, the trailer fell into disrepair, and that troubled Marchese, who wasn’t afraid to express his displeasure about the city not investing in its restoration.

“He wanted to see a fire museum at the old firehouse where the water authority building is today,” Anthony said. “Mike kept volumes of fire department history,” Anthony said, adding the perfect place for these volumes of historical material on the fire department’s 150-plus year history would be the fire house.

Marchese’s commitment ranged from spearheading many fundraising drives through the fire department to support non-profit organizations such as the Lion’s Club and its collection of eyeglasses, to annual holiday toy drives.

Anthony recalled how, at the end of the day, Mike would go to the grocery store and get food that was unsold and take it to food pantries for those in need.

“Not only was Mike a colleague, but I’m honored to say he was my good friend. We all miss Mike and cherish the memories we have of him,” Kemp said.

Marchese’s involvement in the Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Lycoming Housing Authority and Williamsport Area School Board further exemplified his passion for contributing to the well-being and development of his community.

He also was a member of the First Ward Fire Company in South Williamsport and the Young Men’s Republican League.

As a past exalted ruler of Elk Club 173, he was said to have led the club with a gentle hand and a generous heart, leaving an indelible mark on the civic-minded community organization.

Rob Ekblom and family noted how Marchese was a “wonderful guy who always was willing to help anyone.” In the 1970s and 1980s, Ekblom said, Marchese would often visit and share his collection of classic western videos with the family.

Suzanne Pivirotto, in a tribute statement, recalled all the time and all the gifts Marchese brought to St. Boniface School.

“If the faculty, staff or students needed something he could get his hands on, he gave them to us. He was truly a ‘Good Samaritan,'” she stated.