Marvin J. Bourdeau
Oriskany Falls-Marvin J. Bourdeau, 85, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at the Utica Rehabiliation Center in Utica.
Marv was born in Plattsburgh on March 20, 1937, the son of the late Marvin E. and Juanita E. James Bourdeau. He was raised in Plattsburgh and attended Mount Assumption and Our Lady of Victory High. Marv moved to Oriskany Falls and graduated from Oriskany Falls High School in 1955. On July 25, 1959, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, in Oriskany Falls, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ellen Reilly. Their loving union lasted 62 years until Mary’s passing on May 13, 2022. As a young man, Marv was very athletic playing basketball and soccer. It was discovered by accident that he was professional baseball player material. It was discovered he had a mean left handed fast ball, as well as being a big slugger with a baseball bat. As quoted from the Plattsburg News in 1989 on a story of Marv, “Marvin Bourdeau is unique in more ways than one. He was one of the few to have ever signed a professional baseball contract after playing one high school game!” Out of 500 free agents, six were offered contacts with the Pittsburgh Pirates, with Marv making the team. Marv later worked and retired from HP Hood. He had previously been a truck driver for Eastern Rock in Oriskany Falls. He was deeply involved in youth sports in the community. Marv had coached little league baseball, girls’ softball, the American Legion Baseball Team, and senior league baseball. He was instrumental in the sports boosters and hosting women’s softball tournaments to raise money to support community youth sports. Along the way, Marv helped to mold many youth into excellent athletes along with the attitude to succeed in all aspects of their lives. Oriskany Falls was home to Marv, he supported the community may other ways. One of his hobbies was to collect old post cards and any memorabilia in regards to his beloved town. He will be deeply missed by his family. Most will always remember his wit and humor.
Marv is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Michele Bourdeau and Jody Sherman of Oriskany Falls; his daughter Marianne Bourdeau Witkowski (Russell Clements), both of Oriskany Falls; his daughter-in-law, Cynthia Bourdeau of Waterville; his brother Paul E. Bourdeau of Madison: his sister-in-law Diane Howe of Deansboro; his sister-in-law Lavina Reilly of Oriskany Falls; his beloved grandchildren: Patrick Bourdeau, Bret Bourdeau, Eric Witkowski and Ethan Witkowski. Marv is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Marv was predeceased by his parents Marvin E. and Juanita; his two beloved sons Mark and Michael Bourdeau; his sister -in-law Teresa Lemery; and his two brothers-in-laws, Raymond and Frederick Reilly.
Marv’s family sends heartfelt thanks to all the Doctors, Nurses and Staff of the Utica Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for the compassionate care given to Marv.
Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at 3 PM, in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Oriskany Falls. In keeping with Marv’s wishes there will be no calling hours. Funeral and family care is being personally provided by Jeffrey T. Paul, Director, of the Paul Funeral Home of Madison. To offer a message of condolence or share a memory, please visit: paulfuneralhome.net
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