J. Theodore "Ted" Marchell

John Theodore "Ted" Marchell, age 62, died October 31, 2016 at home in Groton, NY following a brief illness. He was born in 1954 in Ithaca, NY, the son of Thomas A. and Therese S. Marchell.


Ted graduated from Ithaca High School in 1972, where he played football and lacrosse. He earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics from Cornell University in 1976. During his senior year, he was a tri-captain of the men's lacrosse team that won the Ivy League title and NCAA championship with an undefeated record of 16-0. That year Ted was named an honorable mention All-American defenseman.
Following graduation, Ted continued with the Cornell lacrosse team for a year as a member of the coaching staff under Head Coach Richie Moran. He then moved to Cambridge, MA where he served as an assistant coach for the men's lacrosse team at Harvard University.

In 1979, Ted and his father Tom founded Marchell Monuments, which served the Ithaca community for several years from their office in Varna. Ted created other successful small businesses including Trademark Sign Systems, Inc. Throughout his life Ted was constantly engaged in mechanical innovation, whether developing automated methods for sandblasting products or creating works of art from salvaged construction materials.

Ted was known by his friends and family as a big man with a contagious laugh and a big heart, often extending himself to help others. He touched many lives and will be deeply missed.

Ted was predeceased by his father Thomas A. Marchell and infant sister Joan. He is survived by his mother, Therese S. Marchell of Ithaca, his sister Christine Marchell of Fountain Hills, AZ, and his brothers T. Frank Marchell (Cindy Wojcicki) of North Hampton, NH, and Timothy Marchell (Sarah George) of Ithaca, as well as his nephews and nieces, Joseph Marchell, Abigail Marchell, Owen Marchell, Gracie Marchell, and Anderson Marchell. He also leaves behind his beloved Labrador retriever Tootsie.

A memorial prayer service will be held on Saturday, November 19th, at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Ithaca. A reception will follow from 12:00-1:30 p.m. in the downstairs church hall. Family and friends who are unable to attend the service are welcome to join Ted's family at the reception. Those wishing to make a memorial donation are encouraged to support the Tompkins County S.P.C.A., in keeping with Ted's lifelong love of and care for animals. Bangs Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Saturday, November 19, 2016 11:00 AM

Immaculate Conception Church 113 N. Geneva St. Ithaca, NY 14850