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According to members of the Republican Party, Marchi passed away while in Italy.

He represented New York's 24th Senate District for 50 years, announcing his retirement in 2006.

As a lawmaker, Marchi was committed to preserving Staten Island's cultural institutions, helping to build up the College of Staten Island, and closing the Fresh Kills landfill.

Those who knew Marchi say he will not just be remembered for all he did, but for who he was.

"He has called mayors, governors and cardinals friends for numerous years and there are not too many politicians who have the ability to say that, especially here in New York City where politics can be so bare knuckled," said Marchi's former staffer Robert Helbock.

Marchi was born on Staten Island in 1921. He attended local schools, received multiple law degrees, and even served in the military during World War II.

He was first elected to the State Senate in November of 1956, representing Staten Island's South Shore.

Helbock, who worked with Marchi for more than 18 years, says his mass appeal is what lead to his longevity in politics.

"Mayor [Ed] Koch was the one who first suggested that the senator should be cross-endorsed, because if he lost in an election it would a loss of a resource to the city of New York," Helbock explained. "And from that point on, he was cross-endorsed for more than I think 15 or 16 years."

Marchi's political reach extended beyond Staten Island; he ran two unsuccessful bids for mayor in 1969 and 1973.

However, Marchi is most well known for his part in the Staten Island secession movement in the early 1990s.

"He became the father of the succession movement, saying to people across the state that he was unwilling for Staten Island to get second best," said State Senator Andrew Lanza.

Many Staten Islanders felt they were being ignored by the city and receiving a lack of public services. Marchi's legislation gained political fuel by the 1993 mayoral election.

While the referendum passed, the Legislature refused to let Staten Island separate from the city.

But whether they agreed or disagreed with Senator Marchi's viewpoints, elected officials from across the aisle say he truly was one of Staten Island's greatest sons.

"He did more for Staten Island I think in government than any individual over a great 50-year career," said Congressman Michael McMahon.

"In many respects, Senator Marchi was Staten Island's first true champion," Lanza said.

Friends and colleagues say the memory of this iconic politician will not soon be forgotten and the legacy of his service can be seen throughout the borough he represented.