Obituary
Marcel W. Charland
March 18,1936 – May 10, 2022
Marcel Charland, gentleman and scholar, left his earthly life on May10, 2022 to enter eternal life after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born on March 18, 1936 to parents Edna Fortin Charland and Joseph Charland of Cohoes, NY. He attended St. Marie’s Catholic School and graduated from Vincentian Institute. Marcel received a Bachelor of Arts degree in French from Siena College and continued to study at the University of Montreal, Providence College, St. Lawrence University, Middlebury College and at Georgetown University where he earned a Master’s Degree in Sociolinguistics. He also studied at NDEA Institutes at Colgate University and Toulouse, France. Marcel and his family spent two years at Maryknoll Seminary where he earned a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies with a concentration in Justice and Peace.
People describe Marcel as the, “sweetest man they ever met.” His kindness and compassion was evident by his passion for justice advocating for the poor and disenfranchised. He worked as coordinator of the Coalition of Human Services Project monitoring legislation, coalition building, and advocacy for low-income concerns. He also conducted workshops in peace education for the diocese of Ogdensburg. Marcel also spent time in Haiti and Nicaragua on Mission trips serving the poor.
Marcel’s teaching history includes 26 years teaching high school French in schools in Albany, Westchester County, and in the North Country including Peru Central and Willsboro School districts. He served as a consultant to the NY State Ed Department writing questions for the French Regents exams. Marcel was also Director of a Bilingual Education project in Derby, VT.
Marcel served his country and received an Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service as an interpreter, translator, and assistant operations sergeant for the Military Police Customs unit in Germany.
One of Marcel’s favorite leisure time activities was playing tennis with his team in Fort Myers, FL where he spent the winters with his wife Judy. Another favorite past time was researching public records for the American – Canadian Genealogical Society in Northern NY. His other favorite summer activity was hiking in the Adriondack mountains where he reached his goal of climbing Mt. Marcy.
Marcel’s wife Judy of 47 years describes Marcel as an amazing husband and loving father to their son Daniel of Sarasota, FL and their daughter Kristie of Denver, CO. His
survivors also include: his sister Marie Charland Phoenix and brother-in-law Bob Phoenix; son-in-law Steve Fry; daughter-in-law Jamie Pasqualli and grandson Lincoln; and several nieces and nephews. Marcel is predeceased by his parents and sister Jeannette Charland.
Marcel”s legacy of love for the poor can be continued through donations to the North
Country Mission of Hope, 3452 State Route 22, Peru, NY 12972, for the people of Nicaragua.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 21, at 11:00 at Lamb of God Church in Estero, FL.
Beautiful Heart, Mind, and
Soul
We celebrate your life!!!
I extend love and sympathy to the family.
In my reading about Marcel he was a man of great commitment to the poor and to peace. The world is poorer for his loss. With deepest sympathy
Rest In Peace, Marcel!