My three year old Black Marseilles survived my neglect.  Completely uncovered for multiple bitter cold days (and lots of snow) in Maryland this winter - they all survived. 

That said, the all growth eventually came up around the trunk and branches ... should I saw all the dead wood off at the base/ground level?  What should I do now that my trees look like shrubs? ... should any of the suckers be pruned or just let things go for now?

Here is a pic ...  

Definetly cut all dead wood as far down as possible. As for the shape of the tree that is your personal preference. If it were mine I would keep it as a bush. It would make it easier to protect in winter.

cut out the dead wood, and I agree with Tony, bush form figs do better in colder climates. Leave 3-5 trunks and it will form a nice bush. On a cold winter you might lose one or two trunks, but not usually not the whole thing.

Most people recommend thinning the new growth to 3 or 4 trunks.

Thanks FELLAS!  I appreciate the help - this forum has been such a help over the years. 

Since the base that I cut off (as everything above it is just as dead) is as thick as a couple inches before it branches into three or four (equally dead) branches - do I need to seal it at all or just hack it off?  Thoughts?

Hey Ryan funny you posted status of your trees rising from the dead! I just posted another update on the last of my inground trees that have come to life!

Hi Newton,
Keep the dead stems to use them as stakes.
Keep 5 stems and tie them with a bind to the dead stems to avoid the fresh stems to brake with rain or the wind.
You could play rooting with the removed stems .