Christopher G. Marchand, a respected builder and cherished family man, passed away on November 1, 2025, at the age of 71 after a courageous battle with cancer. He spent his final moments at home in Halfmoon, New York, surrounded by his family, a testament to his love for them and his lifelong commitment to community.
Born on September 2, 1954, Marchand was a lifelong resident of the Waterford Halfmoon area, having never lived more than a mile from his childhood home. He received his elementary education at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Waterford and later graduated from Catholic Central High School in Lansingburgh. Marchand was known for his unwavering work ethic and determination, qualities he instilled in his children, emphasizing that honesty and hard work lead to success.
Marchand’s passion for building began at an early age. He entered the trades at just 12 years old, starting with drywall work. By 16, he was operating a boom truck. As a young adult, he balanced working in the building trades during the day with a night job at an oil refinery in the Port of Albany to support his family. His dedication culminated in the establishment of CGM Construction, a company that has significantly contributed to the local community through its quality craftsmanship and commitment to excellence.
Throughout his career, Marchand’s philosophy was simple: treat every project as if it were his own home. He often remarked that every job deserved a personal touch, a principle that earned him lasting friendships with customers, vendors, subcontractors, and employees. His ability to visualize improvements on job sites made him a sought-after figure in the construction community, leaving many in awe of his insights.
In addition to his professional life, Marchand had a passion for speed and adrenaline. He loved classic cars and enjoyed snowmobiling during the winter months. Recently, with encouragement from his family, he began spending winters in Florida, where he formed a close-knit community and enjoyed leisurely days by the pool, often sharing stories and experiences with friends.
Marchand’s legacy extends beyond his work; he cherished his role as a grandfather to eight grandchildren. He delighted in spending time with them, whether riding on his tractor or exploring the property on an ATV. His family was the center of his life, and he took immense joy in their shared moments, especially during family visits in Florida.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Victoria (Catallo) Marchand, with whom he shared 47 years of marriage; his son, Christopher Anthony Marchand, and his wife, Dominique (Valente) Marchand; his daughter, Jivon (Marchand) Reo, and her husband, Anthony Reo; as well as his beloved grandchildren: Stella, Cal, Mack, and Anthony Reo; and Lucia, Giorgio, Benicio, and Martino Marchand. He is also remembered by his sister, Charlene, and other family members, including his lifelong best friend, Joe Gross.
Funeral services will be held on Friday at 9 a.m. from the Philip J. Brendese Funeral Home, located at 133 Broad St. (Rte. 32), Waterford, followed by a mass at St. Mary of the Assumption Church at 9:30 a.m. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Waterford. Friends and family are invited to visit the funeral home on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School at 12 6th St., Waterford, NY 12188, or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate. Those wishing to share their condolences or memories can visit www.brendesefuneralhome.com.
Christopher G. Marchand leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and love for his family and community, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
