Robert L. “Bob” Marchi, 81, of Gallipolis, died Friday morning, August 10, 2012, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Huntington. Born February 26, 1931, in Marietta, Ohio, Bob was the son of the late Louis G. and Ines Buonamici Marchi. In addition to his parents, he was preceded by his first wife, Betty Lou Baker Marchi, a brother Louis G. Marchi and a sister, Lillian Marchi.

Bob graduated from Gallia Academy High School, and Ohio University, he also attended law school at the Ohio State University.

Bob was a United States Army Veteran, serving in the Korean War, as a 1st Lieutenant.

Bob owned and operated Marchi Distributing in Gallipolis for many years. He also owned several other businesses in Gallipolis through the years.

He played on the golden era football team, which helped him secure a scholarship to Ohio University. He was a founder of the Midget league football program in Gallipolis. He was a life member of the VFW Post 4464 and American Legion Post 27. He was always an active member of the athletic boosters. He served on the school board of the Gallipolis City Schools for several years, served 2 ½ terms on the Gallipolis City Commission, and was a member and served on the board of trustees of the Gallia County Historical Society. Bob was also in the first group of inductees into the Gallia Academy Athletic Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lee Davis Marchi of Gallipolis; a son, Bobby (Donna Thompson) Marchi of Gallipolis; stepchildren, Brian McDade of Cheshire, and Missy (Jeff) Whaley of Gallipolis; three step-grandchildren, Brett and Brittany McDade, and a special step grandson, Beau Whaley; a sister in law, Wanda Marchi of Gallipolis; two nephews, Mike (Kathy) Marchi of Gallipolis, and Scott Marchi of Gallipolis; two nieces; and two brothers-in-law, Bill (Joann) Davis of Gallipolis, and L.A. (Tammy) Guinther of Gallipolis.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday August 18, 2012 at the Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home with Father Thomas Hamm officiating. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Military Funeral Honors will be presented at the funeral home by the Gallia County Veterans Funeral Detail Team.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Gallia County Historical Society 412 2nd. Ave. Gallipolis, Ohio 45631

An online guest registry is available at waugh-halley-wood.com