Contributions to the tribute of Reverand Gerald A. Marchand

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Thursday, March 11, 2021

Dearest Uncle Bud, You were the lord’s most gracious gift to our family and to all those whom had the pleasure of making your acquaintance. Always compassionate. Always willing to reach out to anyone seeking advice or direction in pursuance of the lord’s passage. The generosity, guidance and advice you shared with helping the family through times of despair and hardship were acts of a Saint. Sharing your shore house so the family could enjoy weeks of vacationing during summer months provided some of the most coveted memories of my life. It provided a close family togetherness we can reflect on for the rest of our lives. Our tightly knit family is a true testament to all of the ethical and moral principles you bestow upon those with whom you were close too. Many Fond Recollections: Being a toddler and visiting the rectory in Irvington. Meeting all friendly members of the clergy. Especially remembering one of your closet friends, Father Farley and at the time, his beloved pet Kami Cat. Offering one Sunday afternoon the opportunity to sift through a bag full of silver to help me get a head start on a coin collection. Taking Brian and myself to the offshore boat races at the Manasquan inlet. Festive annual thanksgiving gatherings at Our Lady of Lourdes rectory in West Orange during your times of Pastorship. Family Baptisms, Communions, Weddings, Funerals. The latter of which I’m sure you got to see your own Uncle Bud. It was beautiful. I will always love you and miss you Uncle Bud. I am so proud to be your nephew and especially proud of my middle name. May you rest in peace Uncle Bud. Someday we shall meet again. Mark Gerald Konzelman

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Ken Peach posted a condolence

Saturday, February 27, 2021

My wife, our sons, and I have been blessed to have known Fr. Marchand. A friend to my wife’s family as she grew up, Fr Marchand married my wife and I at the Seton Hall Chapel on August 26, 1978. He baptized all three of our sons Brian, Daniel, and Matthew over the next 11 years, Even after moving to Florida we stayed in touch and visited when in Point Pleasant. When I talked to him just a few weeks ago, he joked about losing his hearing, eyesight, and memory before suggesting that “I guess God isn’t ready for me yet!” He never lost his wonderful sense of humor. We are so lucky that Fr Marchand played such an ongoing and supportive role in our married lives for 43 years. I will miss our phone conversations but my memories of this wonderful man will live forever. Ken Peach

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Elizabeth Ambielli posted a condolence

Monday, February 22, 2021

Special prayers for Rev. Gerald A. Marchand. I knew him as a priest in St. Paul the Apostle, Irvington, NJ, and kept in touch with him at Our Lady of Lourdes, West Orange. He was a family friend who visited my mom and dad in both Irvington and Union, and enjoyed a retirement cartoon I had made for him when he retired from St. Paul's that referenced his 'hol-ey' sport of golf. May perpetual light shine upon you, Father Jerry.

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Gail Beard Posted Feb 27, 2021 at 12:07 AM

We would love to see that cartoon if you still have a copy... gabngab22@gmail.com if sendable through email. His nieces and nephews as well as grands! Gail here! Thank you for sharing!

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Patricia Ramsdell Naylor posted a condolence

Monday, February 22, 2021

My husband & I were so very sorry to see that Fr. Marchand had passed. I went to St. Paul the Apostle where he was our parish priest. I always remember his rendition of Danny Boy,- it could bring you to tears. In great part because of Fr. Marchand & also Fr. Macho, my mother converted to Catholicism. They were wonderful men to be around & work with. After her conversion, she became very active in parish activities. We eventually moved out of Irvington, but never forgot Fr. Marchand. When my mother died, we traveled back to Irvington for her funeral Mass. Fr. Marchand was still there & said her funeral Mass. We were forever grateful to St..Paul’s & Fr. Marchand for accommodating our wishes. We knew she would have felt loved & at home! It’s a real loss that he’s gone. Only sorry I didn’t keep in contact over the years!

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Gail Beard Posted Feb 27, 2021 at 12:14 AM

He left a trail of remembrances everywhere he went. He was one of those people. Thanks so much for sharing! It means more than words can say.

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Agnes Keogh Clarke posted a condolence

Saturday, February 20, 2021

Please accept my condolences on the passing of Fr Marchand. He was our parish Monsignor at Our Lady of Lourdes. By coincidence, he was also a priest for our family at my parents retirement church at St. Martha's. He was a wonderful person, who enjoyed my mother's Irish bread. May he Rest In Peace

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Sue Schrader Posted Feb 21, 2021 at 12:49 PM

Thank you Agnes.

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Robert Reddington posted a condolence

Saturday, February 20, 2021

I was a member of the St. Paul The Apostle boys choir in the late 1950's. I remember Fr. Marchand leading the choir at that time. He made sure that every note was hit properly and every word enunciated. During this time we were privileged to sing at The Sacred Heart Cathedral in Newark and the National Cathedral in Washington. Two events I remember fondly after all these years. I know that he is singing with a much more heavenly choir now.

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Sue Schrader Posted Feb 21, 2021 at 12:51 PM

Thank you Robert. Yes he is singing I am sure

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Carol Barboni posted a condolence

Friday, February 19, 2021

Uncle Buddy was always a mentor to all of his nieces and nephews. He was a "listener" willing to share advice or just to listen. Bud would open his arms to all. My alternate lifestyle choice held no judgement with Bud. Buddy recovered from a fall with Michelle and I, and we found him to have such a calm and peaceful demeanor that we were disappointed to see him leave. We are pleased that his wish to be with the Lord our God is now granted. Carol Barboni

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Gail Beard Posted Feb 27, 2021 at 4:05 PM

Oh Carol you are so sweet! Thank you!

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The family of Reverand Gerald A. Marchand uploaded a photo

Friday, February 19, 2021

Reverand Gerald A. Marchand

1928 - 2021

Visitation

Funeral Mass