Marvin F. Votra, 82, passed away Monday, December 16th, at his residence, where he was under the care of his family and Hospice of Jefferson County.
There will be no calling hours or funeral. There will be a Celebration of Life in the Spring of 2025 at the Cape Vincent American Legion.
Marvin was born October 1, 1942, in the Town of Cape Vincent, the son of Raymond and Ruth Bourcy Votra. He graduated from Cape Vincent School.
He entered the United States Army April 3, 1962, and was honorably discharged March 27, 1965.
After his Military Service he worked for the Town of Cape Vincent Highway Department. He then began farming at the family farm. He also worked for Mr. Don Woods for a time. He became self-employed until 1987. In 1989, he worker for the 1000 Islands School District, where he retired in 2003.
A marriage to Roberta Bourguin ended in divorce as well as a marriage to Leetah Dennie on October 2, 1976.
Marv was a member of the Cape Vincent American Legion for over 58 years.
He enjoyed socializing, going to NY Yankee games, and NASCAR racing.
Surviving are two sons, Marvin (Meghan) II of Cape Vincent, and Michael (Kimberly) Votra of Rosiere; five daughters, Wendy (Trevor) Bogart of Alexandria Bay, Bobbie (Edward) Keegan of Florida, Jennifer Peckman and companion Jessie Kellar of Sandy Creek, Nichole (Brandon) Dombach of Clayton, and Kellie Votra of Cape Vincent; 18 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; one sister, Marilyn (Dennis) Espinosa of Kansas; nieces and nephews.
A grandson, Jonathan, one brother Donald, three sisters, Doris Brown, Elsie Garnsey, and Rose Votra predeceased him.
Donations can be made in his name to the Cape Vincent American Legion, 248 Broadway St., Cape Vincent, N.Y. 13618 or Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St., Watertown, N.Y. 13601.
Elene Nemergut
Kellie, thinking of you and your family. Please let me know if you need anything – I’m right down the street.
Morgan Votra
Thank you for the support.
Marvin’s granddaughter Morgan Votra
Robin Booth
Thinking of the entire Votra family. Marvin was such a nice person and always spoke to you whenever he saw you to say hello. He did a lot for The American Legion of Cape Vincent. He will be greatly missed!
The Booth Family
Morgan Votra
Thank you for the support.
Marvin’s granddaughter Morgan Votra
michael kieff
What a great friend and comrade. We will remember him. I will truly miss him. Who will stir the pot? Marv was a master. Say hi to the boys for me.
Morgan Votra
Thank you for the support
Marvins granddaughter Morgan Votra
Scott Frezzo and Family
Marvin, we are very sorry for your loss. Prayers and condolences for you and your family at this time.
Morgan Votra
Thank u for the support
Granddaughter of marvin.
Bobbi (Chapman) Simpson
Marvin was a big part of our family’s friend list. Hopefully he will met up with Bob Chapman, Neil Mason and many others to pick up where they left off. Always stopping to say hello and a permanent fixture at the American Legion serving as best he could. Condolences to all of his children and grandchildren, the pain never goes away but after some time, it will be easier to live with. RIP Marvin
Robin Failing. And Nick at Ann's Fisherman's Fare
Our condolences to the Votra family.You are all in our prayers.Marvin was a good man ,and will be missed by many.RIP Marv.
Mike Mulderig
Marv was definitely one of a kind, would do anything for you. “Mr Yankee”. Gonna be hard not seeing him at the Legion. God bless. ” We will remember him.”
Joe & Sharon Chavoustie
As a past Commander of the Legion, I can only convey a small portion of what Marv meant to the Legion. Whenever a question arose that no one knew the answer, ask Marv. When a license needed to be filled out, Marv did it. When the Legion had any type of service work done, Marv would be the one to let them in. The list goes on, but the main thing is we lost a fellow Color Guard member, a Legion member, and an outright true friend. RIP Marv
Leota Wood
My deepest sympathies to Wendy, Marv Jr and all the Votra family. I will miss your Dad greatly, especially for doing the queen of hearts.He will be greatly missed by everyone associated with the American Legion. He was a major pillar of the legion. RIP Marve.
Jill
I worked with Marvin at the Elementary School and his soft subtle ways were loved by everyone. He was quick to ask me about my girls and supported their athletic adventures. He was one of the BEST for sure. Thinking of you all.
Ginny Humphrey
So very very sorry.
Darrel Aubertine
Condolences to the Votra family for the loss of Marv, truly one of a kind and he will be sorely missed.
Scooter Mosher & Family
Dear Votra Family, so sorry for your loss.
Marvin was a fun person and a great friend. Conversation and playing pull tabs at the Legion and QuickDraw won’t be the same. He will be deeply missed.
Andrew Binsley
Condolences to the Votra family as a Legion commrad he will be missed. The honor guard gets smaller every time we lose a member. Marc was always there Memorial Day, Veterans day and anytime we were ask to muster. Sound taps goodbye friend.
joann dalton
Marvin ,Megan and family…so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you and your family.
Jojo, Norah,Lou,and Nicholas
Mary Green
WENDY, MARVIN, BOBBIE, MIKE, JEN, NICKIE and KELLIE AND FAMILIES– SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS! HOLD YOUR MEMORIES CLOSE IN YOUR HEARTS AND I HOPE IT WILL HELP YOU ALL THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME, SENDING PEACE, LOVE AND PRAYERS !!
LOVE,
MARY & MARSHALL GREEN
Scott Link
To the Votra family,
Sorry for your loss. May happy memories help you thru this difficult time.
Scott Link
Mickey Orvis
Thoughts and prayers to the Votra family sorry for your loss
Kathryn Cataldo
To Kellie and the entire Marvin Votra Sr. Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. ❤️ Marv was by far a legend in Cape Vincent. My dearest condolences to each and every one of you. I was an honor knowing him and having beers with him at the Legion and other places, he always had a smile on his face and a kind word and laugh. He will be missed. God Bless you all.
Carl Savage
Thoughts and prayers to all the Votra family and friends. It truly was a pleasure to have known Marv. He could always light up the room with his smile and i loved hearing his stories. We had many great times at the diner in 3 mile bay. Say hi to Joe P for me . Will miss you my friend.
Greg Maloney
Rest in Peace, Brother, and thank you.
Stacy Handley
Condolences to the Votra family. Marvin was such a great man! He was always smiling and cracking jokes, but he would also always take the time to ask and listen to how you were doing. He was a friendly face in the Cape who will be greatly missed.
Sally Switzer
I always enjoyed talking with Marvin. Condolences to the family.
Morgan Votra
He was the only grandfather or grandparents I ever had. He was a really big part of my life I will miss him dearly. He was the only thing keeping the legion open and alive without him the legion is closed due to no licor licenses. We all miss him and will hold him in our hearts thank you for the support.
Barbara Kuellertz
Marvin was always someone you could count on for ANYTHING!!! I’ve known Marvin for 59 years and never once was it a bad encounter with him. He always greeted me with a smile and a warm hug, I will truly miss that. He was an absolute gentlemen. He was for a fact, “Mr. American Legion”. It was always heart warming to know, if you needed something, you could pick up the phone and Marv would have the answer when it came to the Legion. He will be missed by so many of his friends and his vast family. I am sure where he was headed, they greeted him with open arms saying “Hey Buddy, we have a spot right here for you” To the family, sending all of you love, prayers and warm hugs!! You are all in my thoughts.
Rick Martin
Marv was a fixture at the Legion and the lynchpin that kept it viable. He always had a kind word and a great willingness to share his vast knowledge of our legion post. He and Chuck Alger are now reunited. RIP my friend.