Robert Marchand

Robert "Bob" Marchand, 71, of Melbourne, FL, passed away peacefully at Wuesthoff Hospice on June 22, 2010. In his passing, the world lost one of its best. Bob was born in Willimantic, CT on October 20, 1938, son of Omer and Antoinette Marchand. He attended Windham High School where he was legendary for his basketball skills; nearly winning him consideration with the pros. Bob lived most of his life in Storrs, CT, home to the UCONN Huskies, whose games he frequently attended. His career was spent working as a driver for UPS, a job he enjoyed for the people he met. People remember Bob fondly as one who took the time to brighten their day with a bad joke. He had a most unusual knack for telling jokes, making sure he had an endless and fresh supply for those who appreciated one. He was lovingly married to Sandra (Carter) Marchand until her untimely passing in 1978. Several years later, he married Nancy (Tutles) who recognized his exceptional kindness and shared interests. They recently celebrated 29 years of marriage. Bob retired to Melbourne, Florida in 2001 with Nancy and began their new life by building their dream house where family and friends could enjoy the "good life" with them. He embarked on a life of "giving back" through volunteering at the Holmes Regional Medical Center (HRMC) and as docent at the Brevard Museum of Art. Bob was an artist and member of the Manchester (CT) Art League and Brevard Watercolor Society. He is survived by his wife, Nancy of Melbourne, FL; son, Brian Marchand of Melbourne, FL ; step-daughter, Debra Lent and husband, David, and children, Brianna and Alyssa of Guilford; step-daughter, Julie DiDonato and husband, Lou of Philadelphia, PA; brother, Paul Marchand and wife Carolyn of South Windham; sister, Theresa Fournier and husband Gil of Willimantic; brother, Norman Marchand and wife Mary of Windham Center; sister, Jeanne Marchand-Massey and husband Don of Simsbury, as well as many nieces and nephews. His family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday June 29th between 6:00 & 8:00pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., (Rte. 195) Willimantic. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00am at St. Mary Church, Valley St. Willimantic, with assembly at the church. Interment will follow in Storrs Cemetery, Mansfield. For online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com . Donations can be made in Bob's memory to Wuesthoff Hospice and Palliative Care, 8060 Spyglass Hill Rd., Melbourne, FL. 32940-7983 or to American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718, www.cancer.org . Our Lord allowed us to have Bob long enough to fill the hearts of his loving wife, family and friends with a plethora of memories to last their lifetimes. He lived by his creed to always give more than was asked -- Bob never stopped giving and never tired of being rewarded with love by all he touched so deeply. Please wish him a safe and wondrous passage.