Robert Marville
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Obituary for Robert Charles "Bob" Marville

Robert Charles "Bob"  Marville
East Blue Hill

Robert, ‘Bob’, Charles Marville, age 88, passed away peacefully August 22, 2017, at home in East Blue Hill, Maine surrounded by family.

Born in 1928 in Germany, Bob and his family emigrated to the United States in 1940 as war refugees. He lived in Kennett Square, PA and shortly thereafter moved to New York where he resided until retiring to the coast of Maine in 1984.

Bob began his working life in the King’s Kitchen Bakery at age 12 but also managed to graduate from high school at 15. Bob attended night school at New York University to complete his undergraduate degree in business while working full time as a salesman for the Johns Manville Corporation. While working for Johns Manville, Bob and his wife, Jan, moving from Long Island to Pocantico Hills, NY where Bob served on the Board of Deacons along with David Rockefeller. Impressed by Bob’s leadership, Mr. Rockefeller offered him an opportunity to work for one of the Rockefeller companies. Bob chose Rockefeller Center where he spent the rest of his professional career. After joining Rockefeller Center in 1955, he rose through the ranks to become Vice President of Operations, Executive Vice President and finally Acting President until his retirement at age 56. As Bob said, “I got an early start working and it was time for the next chapter in my life.”

Bob was fully engaged in his community of Briarcliff Manor, New York and served on numerous boards and committees, including the Village Planning Board and Board of Deacons at the Congregational Church. His love of community continued in retirement. From conceiving and building, Thirty Love, an indoor tennis facility, to his vision that led to the creation of Parker Ridge, a model retirement community in Blue Hill. Bob’s passion for community and philanthropy guided his life on the Peninsula. Other contributions include: fostering development of the Friendship Cottage, a day program for individuals with Alzheimers; donating the new home for the Bagaduce Music Lending Library; and supporting local schools including the Harbor School, Bay School, George Stevens Academy and The Liberty School. He was especially pleased to have established college scholarship funds for local students. In addition, he helped create a firm foundation for the Tree of Life and Turn-Style and served on numerous local boards including the Blue Hill Memorial Hospital, The Grand, Bagaduce Lending Library, Collins Center for the Performing Arts, Bar Harbor Bank and Trust and HydroPhoton.

Bob met the love of his life, Jan, while working at Johns Manville Corporation. He knew she was ‘the one’ right away and they were happily married for 67 years. Together, they raised two daughters, Nancy and Lee, while living in Westchester County, New York. Early in his career, Bob was captivated by the beauty of Maine while fulfilling his job of locating the annual Christmas Tree for Rockefeller Center. At that time, Bob and Jan brought their young family to Maine for summer vacations with one day set aside to select the ‘perfect’ tree with the help of local forest rangers. Their love of Maine now firmly established, they found their ‘heaven on earth’ on Blue Hill Bay in the town of East Blue Hill. Here, they built their dream home “Loons Landing” together and resided there full-time for almost 40 years.

Soon after settling in Maine, Bob began a second career as an accomplished wood carver. His birds and “feather pins” were sold at local shops with proceeds supporting college scholarships for local students. Bob’s love of people, his generosity and sense of humor earned life-long friendships. He was a dedicated mentor, offering thoughtful advice and support to many. He was known for his spontaneity, quick wit, kindness and his passion for helping others achieve their dreams.

His life was centered on family and he enjoyed many shared interests with Jan including tennis, canoeing, gardening, music and reading, she with her novels and he with the New York Times. Together, they were avid supporters of the arts and generous hosts at Loons Landing. He was the family tour guide leading outings in his sporty convertible and raconteur at the dinner table with a funny story for every occasion.

Bob is predeceased by his parents, Paul and Dora Marville and his sister, Helga Roth. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Jan; his daughters, Lee Marville, and Nancy Miller and husband, David; grandchildren, Lindsey Erin Miller and Jennifer Megan Bonneau and husband, Ron; great grandson, Trystan Robert Bonneau. His family is especially grateful to caregivers, Merle Bisberg, Greta Hooper and Quint Bixby and to Scott Heney for his many years of help.

A service celebrating Bob’s life will be held at the Blue Hill Congregational Church on Sunday, August 27th at 1pm. A reception with family will follow, details to be provided at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one or more of the following organizations:
• The Bagaduce Music Lending Library
• Hancock County Homecare & Hospice
• Blue Hill Schools- Bay, GSA, Harbor
• Blue Hill Congregational Church


A special "Thank You" to all the volunteers from Hancock County Homecare & Hospice that did so much for Bob.

A shuttle service will be provided by George Stevens Academy from the school parking lot to the Congregational Church service.

Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 49 Main St. Blue Hill. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com
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