Marvin F. Preiser died peacefully at the age of 96, with family members by his side and Édith Piaf
playing in the background, at the Roscoe Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Roscoe, New York.
Marvin was born in The Bronx, NY, the son of Morris and Ida Jacobs Preiser, and was the oldest of four
children. Marvin was an inquisitive young boy who spent much of his free time in the New York Public
Library and the Museum of Natural History. He had a quest for knowledge that continued throughout his
entire life.
Marvin was in the first full year graduating class of The Bronx High School of Science in June
1942, where he expanded his interests in organic chemistry, language, and literature. The hands-on
activities he experienced included skills he used throughout his life.
In 1943, he married Ruth Katz and enlisted in the US Army during World War II. After receiving
training as a surgical technician, he entered the Army Medical Corps. He attained the rank of Sergeant,
and spent 13 months in France, serving as a French interpreter, and overseeing a POW camp in
Normandy.
After completing his service in 1946, Marvin joined Polak’s Frutal Works (PFW) in Middletown, NY, as
a lab assistant and worked his way up to Vice-President of International Operations overseeing
manufacturing and related operations in the United States and Europe. He left PFW in 1977, and spent a
year taking classes at the Culinary Institute of America, in Hyde Park, New York, to further his love of
the culinary arts. His professional career continued at Bell Flavors & Fragrances, from 1978-1988 as
Vice-President/General Manager of the Eastern Division.
After over forty years in the flavor and fragrance industry, Marvin retired in 1988. He continued to work
as an independent consultant (MFP Associates) into his early 90’s and maintained a chemical lab and a
technical library in his home. He was honored as a 65-year member of the American Chemical Society
in 2017 and maintained memberships in various other industry associations. In his retirement, he also
fulfilled a life-long dream by formally completing his education, earning a BA degree in Philosophy at
SUNY New Paltz in 1993.
Marvin always lent a helping hand to anyone in the family who needed it. Family gatherings always
included music (with Marvin on the mandolin) and well-prepared food. He regaled his family with
stories from his childhood during The Depression, with themes of resourcefulness, family, and the
adventures he and his siblings had around New York City. He loved literature, classical music, haute
cuisine, fine wines, and The NY Times crossword puzzles. He had a passion for languages, could quote
from the classics, and played the mandolin and harmonica - including performing locally with a senior
band, The Golden Tones.
Marvin was predeceased by: his wife of 76 years, Ruth Katz Preiser, son Gary Preiser, granddaughter
Sarah Preiser, his parents, and siblings Aaron, June, and Hank. He is survived by: daughter
Cheryl Preiser (Richard) Leopold, son Geof Prysirr (Julia Whelan), daughter-in-law Lynda Litz Preiser;
his grandchildren: Rebecca Preiser (Josh D’Ancona), Matthew (Natalie) Leopold, Stephen Leopold,
Amy Leopold (Matthew) Bock, Rachel (John) Feinberg, Gabrielle (Eric) Koelbel; his greatgrandchildren:
Aaron, Noah, Hannah, Luke, Asa, Cora, and Madeline; his sister-in-law Irene Preiser;
several nieces and nephews.
A private burial will be held in Walton, New York. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the
Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cornelius, Dodd & Connell Funeral Home, Middletown, NY.
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