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Known as the small kid with the big heart, Peter Marchese inspired his family and friends with his battle against Tourette's syndrome.
By JOE HUMPHREY
© St. Petersburg Times, published July 16, 2000
CARROLLWOOD -- Peter Marchese was only about 5 feet tall and weighed maybe 100 pounds soaking wet. He suffered from Tourette's syndrome, a disorder that causes involuntary muscle movements and vocal outbursts.
But Peter, 15, was close to mastering the art of tae kwon do. He starred in school plays at Chamberlain High School. He was active in the youth ministry at Grace Lutheran Church.
Those close to Peter called him an inspiration, a small kid with a big heart.
So there was pain last week when news spread that the Carrollwood teen died after a July 8 accident along the Hiwassee River in Benton, Tenn.
Pete Roberts, a sheriff's deputy in Polk County, Tenn., said Peter jumped out of an inner tube and was pinned underwater by a log. The boy was trapped there for as long as 10 minutes before he could be pulled out and taken ashore. He died Tuesday in a Knoxville hospital, three days after the accident.
"He was just a real thoughtful young man, always thinking about other people," said Kay Myers, his guidance counselor at Chamberlain.
Peter spent his mornings at the high school, studying Spanish, honors geometry and drama. He did the rest of his work at home through the Internet, Myers said, largely because the Tourette's would make it difficult to get through a day.
"Meeting new people and a very big school created a real nervous environment," Myers said. But there had been progress this past school year, when he was a freshman.
Peter, already an active boy, added drama to his list of activities. He appeared in at least two plays, including Little Shop of Horrors.
"It would help relax him," Myers said. "He would study his lines."
When Peter was 2, his family moved to Tampa from Racine, Wis., where his funeral was planned. Friends at Grace Lutheran Church also plan to honor his memory at a service on July 30 at 11 a.m. The service will be at the church, 3714 W Linebaugh Ave.
Ken Boehm, director of the youth ministry, said each participant will select one word reminiscent of Peter and wear it on a ribbon. His word: faithful. Other words picked include humorous and courageous.
Boehm recalled a conversation between Peter and his father about getting a driver's license. Chuck Marchese had asked his son what he should do if there were an accident that left Peter brain damaged.
"He said, "If I couldn't play and be Peter, I'd rather be in heaven,' " Boehm said.
He'll be remembered as somebody who never quit. At the National Tae Kwon Do Academy, he was a candidate for a black belt, the highest rank in martial arts. He had spent four years at the academy, taking classes twice a week alongside his mother.
"He persevered and wanted to work so hard," said chief instructor Tracy Butterfield.
- Contact Joe Humphrey at 226-3403 or humphrey@sptimes.com