Frank John Marchese

Frank J. Marchese, Popular Atlanta musician Frank Marchese passed away on September 28, 2012, at age 95. Frank and his accordion entertained Atlantans since the early 1960’s. He provided dancing music for a variety of cultural groups such as the German-American, Italian-American, and Polish-American Clubs. His band had pioneered music for the Oktoberfest of Helen, Georgia, when the alpine-themed town was just getting started. His music was in high demand because he could provide international entertainment to suit any occasion. Frank also taught accordion lessons to a great number of students, both young and old alike. Frank had a distinguished military career serving his country for 20 years. During this time, he made his combat jump into Holland as part of Operation Market Garden on September 17th, 1944. He was wounded but insisted on reuniting with his unit, the 101st Airborne, just in time for the Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne, Belgium. He made over 50 jumps during his career and was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Commendation, Netherland Bronze Cross (that country’s highest decoration) among others. He served as aide-de-camp for a 3-star General and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer-3. Frank was born April 9th, 1917 in Mt. Braddock, Pennsylvania. He is predeceased by his first wife of 53 years, Eunice Larson of Tacoma, Washington, and survived by his son, Jim Marchese, present wife, Renate Yanda and her children Sonya Cahalan and Ron Yanda. Great Frank’s grandchildren include Michael, Andrea, Nancy, Samantha, Alexis, Erica, and 3 great-grandchildren Mitchell, Thomas and Nicholas. Funeral Arrangements are by Floral Hills Funeral Home of Tucker. Interment will be at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia.