2011 Grand Marshal, Luigi Marciante Luigi Marciante was born in Sciacca, Sicily on April 8, 1938 to Accursio and Vincenza Marciante and is one of seven children. While in Italy he faithfully served in the Carabinieri for eleven years before migrating to America in 1968 and establishing roots in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Luigi is married forty-three years to his wife Maria Zeppieri. They have four children, Accursio, Ronnie, Enza and Luigi, Jr. Young Luigi sadly gave his life on September 20, 2007 while serving in Iraq in the United States Army. His brave actions warranted the issuance of the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Luigi is the owner of Larry's Generators in Elizabeth, an established business in the community for over thirty-five years. He has served as Elizabeth's UNICO Chapter President from 2003-2006. Luigi was awarded the "Man of the Year" in 1998 on behalf of UNICO. After moving to Jackson six years ago he began working with Central Jersey Italian American Club where he is a member today. Luigi donates his time at the club helping or organizing events such as the Valentine's Dinner, Summer Jams, and various other parties. Luigi is currently an active member in the following organizations; The Associazione Nationale Carabinieri, the Jackson Rotary Club and a parishioner of St. Aloysius Church of Jackson. Luigi or "Poppy" as many inside and outside the family call him, is an upstanding Italian American who has given to his native born country of Italy with many years of faithful service in the Carabinieri. He has given to his new country of America as well by supporting the community around him, his Italian heritage and most of all his family.