GUILDERLAND – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John J. “Jack” Marcil, on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. He fought the good fight to the very end and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He died at home, surrounded by his wife and loving family, at the age of 96.
Born in Cohoes, NY on October 14, 1923, he was the son of George and Juliette Cole Marcil. Jack spent most of his early life in Troy.
After Graduating from Catholic High School in Troy in 1941, Jack served as an electrician’s mate, first class, in the United States Coast Guard and served in both the European and Pacific Theaters in World War II. For full information about Jack’s military service, please go to: https://pacificwrecks.com/people/veterans/marcil/
During that time, he met Marilyn Frank, who would become the love of his life, and they were married in 1947.
After the war, he graduated from Siena College Cum Laude with a B.S. & M.B.A. in economics and business in 1951, and obtained his Master’s Degree in 1952.
Jack also joined the General Electric Company in 1952. During his 36 year career with G.E., he held a number of management positions in manufacturing, marketing, human resources and education. He was also associated with many G.E. courses as an instructor and course designer and taught both domestically and internationally. He retired in 1987 as Corporate Manager of College Relations of the Northeast and was well respected by his colleagues.
Jack was a man of many talents – with a quick wit and “just get to the point” manner. He was an avid golfer (a long time member of Pine Haven Country Club), a wood working craftsman, plumber and electrician. There was no problem that he wasn’t willing to tackle, and his dogged determination and amazing analytical mind almost always had him at the winning end. Toward the end of his life, he helped countless individuals with their own life struggles with his wisdom, experience and philanthropy.
Jack was a devout Catholic and faithful communicant of Christ The King Church in Westmere.
In 2019, he was honored for being one of the oldest living military survivors of WWII, at the Joseph E. Zaloga American Legion Post, RPI, Crossgates Mall, the Albany County Veterans Recognition Program and was featured on WNYT Channel 13 as “The Last Man Standing” in a news feature about local WWII Veterans.
Jack is survived by his devoted wife of 72 years, Marilyn (Frank) Marcil and his five children: John (Michele), Lynn Friebel, Holly (Art) Fogarty, Bill and Dan. Additionally, he is survived by 14 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to give many thanks to: Father Jim Fitzmaurice and Jim Finn, for their faithful visits of prayer and communion, Jack’s nephew David Marcil for bringing innumerable home-made meals to the house, niece Kristin Keefe, outstanding caregivers Katonya and Lloyd, and our wonderful neighbors, Bill and Carol Gould.
There will be no funeral service at this time. However, there will be a military memorial service at the Saratoga National Cemetery, when it is safe to do so. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
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Daniel Gorski
Uncle Jack. We shared a birthday, love of golf and woodworking. Mom’s little brother and her fellow Coast Guard Mate.
Nancy and I send our love Aunt Marilyn and the family. We spent time remembering today, looking through my hand-down photos and clippings of Jack in his uniform, that “Jack” smile and retelling the stories that were shared. And how highly I was regarded by the staff at La Salle Institute just due to my relationship to him.
Henry Nolan
To the Marcil Family; I was saddened to learn of the passing of Jack Marcil. I am Henry Nolan. You may not remember me, but beginning in the early 1950s, I lived with my family in a duplex house at 1301 Jacob Street in Troy. The other side of the house was 2172 13th Street, which became the home of the Marcil family for, as I remember, about a year. I remember Jack as a tall, very friendly man with blond hair. He reminded me of the movie actor, Robert Young. My dad, Jack Nolan, an accountant and auditor, also worked for GE in the early 50s and, as I remember, the the two Jacks got along very well with each other, as did my mother, Phyllis, with Marilyn. I personally was very happy when the Marcils moved in as John was only a year or so younger than me so I had someone to play with in the side yard after school. While our paths went separate ways shortly thereafter, I remain glad that I had the opportunity to get to know, even a little bit, Jack and his family. While it is always sad to lose a loved one, regardless of the circumstances, it is clear that Jack had a very fulfilling life. Please accept my condolences for your loss of a fine husband, father and grandfather. Sincerely, Henry Nolan
Rox (Ballschmieder) Thomas
May the light and joy of your memories heal your sorrow and bring you peace.
Michelle (Ballschmieder) LaLonde
I am so sorry for your loss and hope that the love you have for each other help heal the sadness you feel at this time.