Each year in October, the Italian Heritage Club of the Mohawk Valley selects a way to celebrate Italian History Month. This year, Dr. John B. Marchisi, the first Italian immigrant to Utica (1815) was honored by a wreath laying and presentation. Following the event, club president Mrs. Joann Campbell gave a presentation about the pertinent facts of Marchisi's life.

Marchisi, a pharmacist, was a revered citizen not only in the Italian community but throughout Utica, until his death in 1885 at the age of 95. So important was his influence on our community he is included in Dr. Moses Bagg's book — "Pioneers of Utica." At the time of  his death, he was described in one local newspaper: "There have been few people like the venerable Dr. Marchisi."