Ronald Thomas Marchese, 74, of Forest Lake, formerly of Duluth, MN and Fresno, CA, after an unexpected cancer diagnosis passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 3, 2021 after spending his last day with his son and daughter and watching football.

He was born on March 17, 1947 in Fresno, CA to Julie R and John A Marchese. Ron studied at Fresno State and then went on to achieve his PhD at New York and Colombia University. He taught at the University of MN- Duluth as a professor of ancient classical history and archeology. He was involved with the Archaeological Institute of America and had countless publications in his field. Ron had many different hobbies and passions: he enjoyed traveling, photography, collecting art, stamps and coins, building model boats and planes, driving sportscars and horseback riding. Mostly, he loved to lecture and teach.

Ron is survived by his daughter, Kayla M. Marchese of Madison, WI; son, Alexander J. Marchese of Green Bay, WI; brother, John F. Marchese; his beloved orange kitty, Garfield; and numerous friends both locally and internationally.

Family will be holding a private service. Friends and family are welcome to share memories and stories on our Mueller Memorial website for the family. Memorials are preferred to the Armenia Studies program at Fresno State and can be given online through https://www.fresnostate.edu/artshum/armenianstudies/support.html .