Obituary of Marvin Olick

Marvin F. Olick of 604 Rock City Road, Ballston Spa, died suddenly of a heart attack on October 31, 2012. He was 58. Marvin was born October 9, 1954 in Utica, and moved to Saratoga Springs shortly after earning an Engineering Degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He is survived by his siblings, Geoffrey Olick of Yorkville and Roxanne (John) Deschambeau of NJ, his aunt, Rose Nassif of New York Mills, and many cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Gladys (Nassif) Olick. Marvin was active in the community, serving on the boards of many non-profit organizations over the past thirty years. A lifelong Historic Preservationist, he was fascinated by old buildings, antiques, and railroad history. He was proud to be a part of innumerable local community development efforts, including the iconic Adirondack Railway building at 117 Grand Avenue, as well as the recently completed playground at Fort Hardy Park in Schuylerville. In 1999, Marvin started Marvin & Company Community Revitalization with his friend and business partner Michelle Read DeGarmo. Marvin & Company has administered millions of dollars in state and federal funds, helping municipalities and non-profit organizations preserve affordable housing and revitalize historic downtown business districts throughout the Capital Region. Marvin felt particularly honored at being asked to lead a bus tour of the Town of Saratoga for the 2009 Rural Housing Coalition statewide conference. Marvin & Company’s success would not have been possible without the support of Sandy and Jim Hart, Brian Melick, Alicia Nichols, and Teddy Woodard. Marvin had a very special relationship with Michelle, her husband Donald, and their daughters Jessie and Emma. Although he had no children of his own, Jessie and Emma held a special place in Marvin's heart. The girls' favorite memories of Marvin include watching the Polar Express movie, walks in Congress Park in Saratoga, and having dinner at Friendly's. He was proud to attend Jessie's recent induction into Junior National Honor Society, and was thrilled at Emma learning to read. Marvin has tirelessly assisted Don in renovating the family's 1900s era farmhouse. Michelle spent nearly every day with Marvin for the past fourteen years. He will always be remembered as a beloved member of their family. Friends may call on Friday, November 16th from 4 to 6 PM at the Flynn Brothers Funeral Home, 13 Gates Avenue Extension, Schuylerville. An informal gathering will follow at the Marvin & Company office, 12 Spring Street, Suite 103, also in Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Marvin’s memory may be made to the NYS Rural Housing Coalition, 79 North Pearl Street, Albany NY 12207, or the Landmarks Society of Greater Utica, 1124 State Street, Utica NY 13502.