"My family comes from Naples," Marchetti said. "My wife's (Catherine) family comes from Molfetta. I take a lot of pride in my Italian background."
It's the reason why Marchetti has been the chairman of the Weehawken Elks Lodge #1256's Italian Night since its inception 25 years ago.
The silver anniversary Italian Night will take place at the majestic Elks Lodge on Boulevard East Saturday night, beginning at 7 p.m. It is traditionally one of the most popular events sponsored by the Weehawken Elks.
When Marchetti isn't swamped with running the general business of the township (he is the highest ranking full-time township employee), he dedicates a good portion of his life organizing the Italian Night, the proceeds of which goes to help the Elks' mission of assisting handicapped children in a variety of needs.
"I'm proud and happy to be able to do it," said Marchetti, who has been the Weehawken township manager for the last 17 years. "I've been doing it for 25 years, but it's all for the children. Since I receive a great deal of help, it really doesn't bother me. We have an excellent committee."
Marchetti credited the help of fellow co-chairmen Philip Greco, the executive director of the Weehawken Free Public Library, Housing Authority executive director Dominic Facchini, John Zeeb and honorary Italians Jeff Welz, the director of public safety, and Mayor Richard Turner.
"They all lend a helping hand," Marchetti said. "It helps the event run smoothly."
There will be plenty of music, provided by disc jockey Peter Heller, which, of course, leads to dancing. It wouldn't be an Italian party without people dancing to the tunes of Italian crooners Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.
But the main draw to the avid Italian Night aficionados is the food and once again, the attendees will not be disappointed, as Marchetti has lined up a menu with seven different entrees.
"We're going to have a lot of tremendous food," Marchetti said.
The menu will consist of sausage and peppers, eggplant parmigiana, veal marsala, chicken francaise, penne in a vodka crème sauce, cavatelli and broccoli and an array of antipasto.
No Italian party is complete without Italian pastries and Marchetti vowed that there will be plenty of pastries to treat the every Italian's sweet tooth.
Belgivione Deli and Catering of Montclair, which has a fine reputation of providing the best in Italian dishes, is catering the event for the evening.
"We used to cook everything ourselves, but it became too much work," Marchetti said. "We have a tough time now just setting everything up and making sure that it runs smoothly."
Marchetti believes that the night is so popular because Weehawken has so many residents who are of Italian descent, especially from Molfetta.
"There are a lot of proud Italians in Weehawken," Marchetti said.
If you need proof, just look at the township council. Second Ward Councilwoman Rosemary Lavagnino, First Ward Councilwoman Carmela Silvestri Ehret and Councilman At-Large Robert Zucconi are all of Italian descent, not to mention Marchetti.
"We're taking over," Marchetti laughed.
Only Third Ward Councilman and Deputy Mayor Robert Sosa and of course, Turner, are not of Italian heritage. But they will be Italian in spirit on Saturday night.
"It's guaranteed to be a great night," Marchetti said. "We're all Italian on Saturday, you better believe it."
Although Marchetti let on to a big secret that wouldn't readily be known.
"I'm half Irish," Marchetti said. "My mother was a Kenny from Hoboken. So I have the best of both worlds."
But on Saturday, it will definitely be Marchetti's Italian side, just like it has for the last 25 years.
"I'm just happy that we've been able to keep this tradition for 25 years," Marchetti said. "This night will be a special one."
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