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TOMMY MARCIANO DIES |
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We sadly report the death of Phoenixville's Tommy Marciano, who died suddenly on Monday, April 23, 2012. Born Thomas Rocco Marchegiano on August 16, 1934, Tommy fought as a welterweight in the 1950s. Marciano had a successful amateur career winning the Eastern Golden Gloves title as a lightweight, and turned professional on August 26, 1952, with a 4th round KO of Tony Fargo in Miami Beach, Florida. Marciano went undefeated in his first 17 bouts, including five knockouts and three draws (versus Jimmy Washington, Ike White & Jimmy Arthur). Early victims included Chico Corsey (W6, W6), Johnny Busso (W4), and a young Charley Scott (W6). Later in his career, he again defeated Scott (W7) and added Reuben Davis (W8), Harry Deputy (W8), and Earl Clemmons (W7) to his list of victories. After going 6-5 in his final eleven fights, Marciano retired in 1956. Marciano fought all over Philadelphia, including the Cambria, Arena, and Toppi Stadium. He also had two starts at Madison Square Garden and one at St. Nicholas Arena. His overall professional record was 20-5-3 with 5 KOs, between 1952 and 1956. Along with lifelong friend Joe Rowan, a Phoenixville heavyweight of the same era, Marciano opened the Valley Forge Boxing Club where he and Rowan trained both amateur and pro boxers. Marciano was inducted into the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame on May 15, 2011. His friend Joe Rowan is scheduled to be inducted to the same Hall of Fame posthumously on May 20, 2012. Marciano, a father of three (Tom Jr., Chuck & Leslie) and grandfather of five, died at his home in Phoenixville of an apparent heart attack. He was 77. A viewing will be held Friday, April 27, 5-8 PM, at Devlin-Rosmos-Kepp Funeral Home, 4th & Main Streets, Phoenixville, PA. The funeral service will be held Saturday, April 28, 9AM, at St. Mary's Church, 217 Dayton Street, Phoenixville, PA. Marciano will be buried at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Phoenixville, the same cemetery as his old friends Joe Rowan and Frank Costello, their amateur trainer.
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