Vincent James Marchetti

OBITUARY

Vincent James Marchetti, 93, passed away peacefully, at home, with his loving wife, daughter, and dog, by his side. Vince had a zest for life, a spirit of adventure, a ready smile, and was one of the kindest, most caring individuals one could know.

Born and raised on Long Island, Vince was youngest child of Assunta and Joseph Marchetti. Raised in proximity to a large extended family, Vince was a great student, and also learned construction skills at his father’s side.

Vince graduated from Ohio University in 1954, where he studied civil engineering and fine arts, a combination that would uniquely shape his life’s work. Following graduation, Vince volunteered for service in the United States Army. He was stationed for two years in Frankfurt, Germany, where he contributed to rebuilding airfields damaged during World War II.

It was in Germany that Vince met the love of his life, Susan Storch, a civilian employee of the US Air Force from Los Angeles. They met just two weeks before Vince was scheduled to return home. Vince courted Sue every day of those two weeks. During Vince’s week-long journey back to New York by ship, Sue wrote him a letter every day. The air-mail traveled faster than the ship, and his surprised mother met his arrival at the port, joyfully waving the bundle of Sue’s letters – a moment that became a cherished family story, and the beginning of a lifelong love.

Vince and Sue were married on April 27, 1957, in Los Angeles, California. Soon after honeymooning at the newly opened Bahia Hotel on Mission Bay, they chose to make San Diego their permanent home. The decision would shape both their lives, and the city itself.

In 1959, Vince began an extraordinary 40-year career with the City of San Diego as a Project Manager. He played a pivotal role in the planning, design, and development of many of the region’s most treasured public spaces. Among his many contributions were projects in Balboa Park, including Morley Field, Marston Point, and Spanish Village, numerous developments in Mission Bay such as Ski Beach, Sail Bay, Santa Clara Point, and Bonita Cove, and community landmarks including the Golden Hill Recreation Center, Kate Sessions Park, Colina del Sol Recreation Center, and the San Diego Community Concourse. His legacy lives on in the spaces where generations of San Diegans have gathered, played, and found joy.

Beyond his professional achievements, Vince was an integral member of the Balboa Park Committee of 100, the longest-standing volunteer group working to preserve Balboa Park’s historic architecture, gardens, and public spaces. He also served as a scout leader, and contributed his expertise on the City of San Diego’s Facilities Committee, helping guide the design of important civic projects.

Vince embraced life with enthusiasm. He found great joy in travel and staying active. He enjoyed softball, skiing, sailing, bowling, and golf, continuing to play rounds of golf within 6 months of his passing. He also had a special fondness for dogs, especially Dachshunds, which brought him endless companionship and delight. Vince was a talented piano player, and an excellent cook, renowned among friends for his improvisational piano, and original cioppino dishes.

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Above all, Vince was devoted to his family. He is survived by Sue, his beloved wife of nearly 69 years, and his daughter, Karen. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ron, and his son, Stephen.

Vince’s ashes will be interred at Miramar Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his memory to the San Diego Blood Bank, the Balboa Park Committee of 100, or the San Diego Humane Society.

Vince Marchetti leaves behind a remarkable legacy. A legacy not only built in parks and public spaces, but in the countless lives he touched, the family and friends he cherished, and the enduring love he shared with his life partner, Sue.

There will be Celebration of Vince’s Life on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Please arrive at the Marchetti house any time between 12 – 5pm.

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