John Joseph Marchello

Prescott native John J. Marchello, 89, passed away Monday, Aug. 31, 2015 at 8:45 a.m. at Yavapai Regional Hospital ICU of cardiac failure.

John was born Feb. 9, 1926 in Prescott, Arizona to Anthony Marchello and Jennie (Cavigga) Marchello. He graduated from Prescott High School in 1944 and immediately joined the U.S. Navy. After serving as a radio operator on three different ships during WWII in the Pacific Theater, he separated from the Navy June 4, 1946. John married Phyllis Ann Roberts on Oct. 13, 1951 and they had three children.

John was preceded in death by Phyllis and his parents. He is survived by his three children Toni (David) Seidel and their children Jessica and Paul; Bob (Karen) Marchello; Pat (Patty) Marchello and their daughters Jennifer (Brendan) Bartley; and John's brand new great-grandchild Brendan James; and granddaughter Stephanie Marchello.

John's passions were family, friends, travel, sports, music, photography and the internet. He was a lifelong basketball fan and avid supporter of the Arizona Wildcats and Phoenix Suns. When not watching a game you might find him tickling the ivory on his piano or electronic keyboard. He loved the internet as it allowed him to reach family and friends to share his latest photos or travel the world, as age would not allow him to any longer. He embraced retirement by spending time with his friends on a regular basis playing cards, studying the marvels of the universe, and just generally socializing.

The family would like to thank everyone who visited John in the last week, you helped cheer him and keep him connected with his friends. They would also like thank the staff at both the VA Hospital and Yavapai Regional Hospital ICU for being so caring.