SMYRNA, Georgia — William “Bill” P. Marchione Jr., a noted historian, author and educator who helped preserve the histories of communities in Massachusetts and Georgia, died July 22. He was 84.
Marchione was born Jan. 12, 1942, in Boston to Mary A. Salvucci and William F. Marchione. He earned an undergraduate degree from Boston University, where he met his future wife, Mary Ann Cuggino. He later earned a master’s degree in history from George Washington University and a doctorate in history from Boston College.
Marchione spent more than 35 years teaching middle school in Norwell, Massachusetts, and also taught college courses as an adjunct professor.
He became widely known as the local historian of Brighton, Massachusetts, and wrote several books about Boston history. After moving to the Atlanta area in 2010, Marchione became deeply involved in documenting and preserving Smyrna’s history.
His historical work was a defining part of his life, extending beyond his professional career into his community involvement, lectures and writing.
Marchione is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Ann Cuggino Marchione; son, David Marchione and his wife, Tracey; daughter, Karen Marchione and her husband, Sean Glowaski; and grandson, Sam Glowaski.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert L. Marchione.
Celebrations of life are planned in Brighton and Smyrna.
William Marchione, longtime educator and Smyrna historian, dies at 84 was first published on The Jonquil Journal at 4:39 pm on July 29, 2026, and is republished here with permission. Click here to view the original.
