Christopher G. Marchand, a respected figure in the construction industry and a cherished family man, passed away on November 1, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 71 years old and spent his final moments at home in Halfmoon, New York, surrounded by his family.
Born on September 2, 1954, in Waterford, Chris dedicated his life to both his family and his work. He was a lifelong resident of the Waterford-Halfmoon area, having never lived more than a mile from his childhood home. Chris completed his elementary education at St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from Catholic Central High School in Lansingburgh.
A Legacy of Hard Work and Community Impact
Known for his unwavering determination and strong work ethic, Chris instilled the values of honesty and hard work in his children. He embarked on his career in the trades at just 12 years old, beginning with drywall installation. By the age of 16, he was operating a boom truck. In his early career, he balanced work at an oil refinery in Albany with his commitments in construction to support his young family.
Chris founded CGM Construction, named after his initials, and turned it into a thriving business that has positively impacted the community for decades. He approached every project with a commitment to excellence, often stating that he treated each job as if it were for his own family. His dedication to quality craftsmanship earned him the respect of customers, vendors, and subcontractors alike, who became lifelong friends.
Chris had a unique vision that allowed him to see potential improvements on job sites that others might overlook. His ability to make quick, impactful decisions made him a sought-after leader in the industry. Colleagues and clients valued his insights and guidance, which will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Passions and Family Life
In addition to his professional achievements, Chris had a deep passion for classic cars and high-performance machinery. He enjoyed attending car shows and snowmobiling, relishing the adrenaline these activities provided. Recently, with the support of his family, he began spending winters in Florida, where he developed a close-knit community of friends who appreciated his humor and wisdom.
As a loving grandfather to eight grandchildren, Chris cherished moments spent with his family. Whether riding on the tractor or exploring the property on his ATV, he created lasting memories that his grandchildren will carry with them. Chris is survived by his devoted wife, Victoria Marchand, with whom he shared 47 years of marriage, and his children, Christopher Anthony Marchand and Jivon (Marchand) Reo, along with their spouses and children.
He was predeceased by his parents, George and Muriel Marchand, as well as his siblings, Chuck Marchand and Denise (Marchand) Roque. Chris is also survived by his sister Charlene, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and his lifelong best friend, Joe Gross.
The funeral service will be held on Friday at 9 a.m. at the Philip J. Brendese Funeral Home, located at 133 Broad Street (Route 32), Waterford. A service will follow at St. Mary of the Assumption Church at 9:30 a.m., with interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Waterford. Friends and family are welcome to visit the funeral home on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School at 12 6th Street, Waterford, NY 12188, or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate. Those wishing to share memories or express their condolences can visit: www.brendesefuneralhome.com.