Obituary of Dawn Marie Marchese

Dawn Marchese, 66, of Rockaway Township, NJ, passed away peacefully surrounded and held by the love of her family on July 11, 2026 after living with cancer.

A beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, partner, aunt, and teacher, Dawn touched countless lives with her caring nature, infectious smile, and generous spirit.

Dawn will be greatly missed by her partner Paul McTamney; children Marissa (Matthew) Coda and Taryn (Patrick) Haggerty; grandson Simon; mother Elaine Marchese; siblings Larry “Lars”, Steven (Catherine), and Anthony (Elizabeth); nieces Sophia and Lilah; and nephews Tanner, Samuel, and Max. She is predeceased by her father Lawrence Marchese and grandmother Lucille Caracciola.

Dawn was born in Newark, NJ to parents Elaine and Lawrence Marchese on August 13, 1959 and spent her early years in Newark, Landing and Flanders, NJ. In those early years, she was an avid reader and gifted artist with great taste in music. When she was not on the phone with her friends, many of whom she cherished as lifelong friends, she was jostling for position with her three younger brothers in a loud and loving Italian household. After graduating from Mount Olive High School in 1977, she moved to Hawaii at 18 years of age, which made an indelible mark on her soul that included a lifelong love for the sea. After a year in Hawaii, she returned to New Jersey, which would always be her home.  

Dawn was a devoted mother to daughters Marissa and Taryn. Never content to watch from the sidelines, she was an active participant in their interests and activities, with many nights spent sewing beads onto costumes or practicing elaborate routines. She treasured every little keepsake, from macaroni ornaments to senior art projects. She was truly a one-of-a-kind mother and her daughters are endlessly grateful to carry the values she instilled throughout their lives.

Dawn’s greatest joy in life was her two years spent as a Nana to her grandson Simon. She relished every moment they spent together; every book read, little present given, facetimes spent watching him run around, and every giggle and snuggle shared. Even as she grew more tired, Dawn focused every ounce of her energy on making lifelong memories with Simon. 

Dawn was a dedicated and lifelong learner. At age 46, she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Special and General Education, later receiving her Masters degree as well.

Her passion for learning led to a remarkable teaching career. As a special education teacher, Dawn poured her heart and soul into changing the lives of students every day at Birchwood Elementary School in Rockaway Township. She never hesitated to stand up for those who needed her and was always ready to advocate and go the extra mile for her students. Words can never fully encapsulate Dawn’s immense impact as a teacher.

Dawn spent nearly 26 years with her partner Paul. Their relationship was filled with special little traditions like tomato pie and movies on a Saturday night, scrabble tournaments spanning decades, trips to Atlantic City, and inside jokes.

Dawn loved music, singing, cooking Italian food, impressively thoughtful gift giving, storytelling, sketching and drawing, boisterous Italian family holidays, road trips in pursuit of delicious food with her mother, watching the Eagles and Yankees, reminiscing about Hawaii, cherry blossoms and lilacs, and relaxing with her toes in the sand at Long Beach Island. 

Although heartbroken, Dawn’s family is relieved that her difficult journey with cancer has ended peacefully and she can finally be free. Her family would like to thank the wonderful human beings at Memorial Sloan Kettering, particularly Dr. Michael Postow, her Cellular Therapy team, and the kindhearted caregivers of the MSK ICU. 

Relatives and friends are welcome to join us in celebrating Dawn’s life on Thursday, July 16^th from 4 – 8 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Ave, Denville, NJ 07834. All are welcome to join us for a Prayer Service on Friday, July 17^th at 9:30 am at Norman Dean Home for Services in Denville. Entombment will follow at Somerset Hills Memorial Park & Chapel Mausoleum, 95 Mt Airy Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920.

Memorial donations may be made to the World Literacy Foundation, No Kid Hungry, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Please leave a condolence, add a gesture, or share your favorite memory of Dawn here to continue to celebrate her life and let her light shine.