Marvin Mackoff

MARVIN MACKOFF

Marvin “Marv” Mackoff, 90, well-known musician of Norwich, died on March 7, 2022 at the UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital.

Born April 1931 in Rockaway Beach, NY, Marv was the son of Paul and Betty (Loewy) Mackoff. He attended school in the Bronx and graduated from the acclaimed High School of Music and Art. Marv then went to Queens College and graduated with a degree in biochemical engineering. Marv met his future wife, Wilma, here, and they married in November 1952 in Laurelton, NY. Marv entered the United States Army during the Korean War and served honorably for two years. He started at the Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington D.C. and then served in a M.A.S.H. unit in Korea. Upon his return, he took a position as chief chemist at Schenlabs in New York. In 1960, Marv and his family relocated to Norwich and began a lengthy career with the Norwich Pharmacal Company. His career started in research and development and eventually led to his position as manager of quality control before he retired in 1994.

Marv’s musical abilities and artistry began at a young age. He was a talented pianist at age five and at age nine received a gold medal award at competition and even played at Carnegie Hall among countless other theaters across the state. When Marv moved to Norwich, he continued to enrich the community with his gift. He was active in the Hamilton Musical Theater, the Sherburne Music-Theater Society, and the Chenango Community Players, and served as president of both the Sherburne Music-Theater Society and Chenango Community Players. Starting in 1979, Marv worked with Bernie Windsor at the Bernie Windsor Dancentre as the music director, which he did for 19 years. He played countless community events and fundraisers at the Chenango Arts Council and for the Chenango Memorial Hospital Auxiliary shows. To say Marv’s musical gifts enriched the community is an understatement. Marv’s legacy includes two professionally-recorded CDs. He also enjoyed gardening at his home and loved ballroom dancing with his wife, Wilma.

Marv is survived by his loving wife, Wilma, of Norwich; his children, Mitchell (Tricia) from MA, Elaine (Aki) from CA, and Laura from CT, grandchildren, Brendan (Ashley), Devin (Erica), Carolyn (Josh) all from MA, and Ari from CT, and great-grandchildren, Owen, Elyse, Theo, Ayla, and Poppy, all from MA. He was predeceased by his sister, Carolyn Newman.

To honor Marv’s wishes, there will be no formal services. Contributions in his memory may be made to the charity of your choice or to the Chenango County SPCA, 6160 County Road 32, Norwich, NY 13815.