Alphonse Marchand

12/07/2001

Alphonse Joseph Marchand, 93, of Kimball Farms Retirement Community, died Friday evening at Kimball Farms Nursing Care Center. He had resided at Kimball Farms for four years. He was a former member of Pittsfield's Planning Board and School Building Commission. Born in Lebanon, N.H., on Dec. 29, 1907, son of Alfred and Claudia Gignac Marchand, he was a 1925 graduate of Lebanon High School. He graduated in 1932 from the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor of science degree in architecture. Mr. Marchand was employed as an architect for several firms before becoming employed by GE in Pittsfield in 1937 as an industrial appearance designer, but made his mark as an architect designing homes and storefronts. According to an article in The Berkshire Eagle, May 12, 1952, "he had a hand in planning something like 50 of the houses built in Pittsfield since 1942." The same article noted his designs for numerous stores on North Street and other downtown areas. He also designed the Wilton Manor at 181 Elm St., completed in 1961. In 1948, he joined Pittsfield's Planning Board, where he helped develop the city's master plan for growth and development. In 1949, he became a member of the newly formed School Building Commission, overseeing the construction of several schools and was instrumental in the modern functional designs of the former South Junior and North Junior high schools. He also was a member of the city's Capital Outlay and Conservation committees. He moved to Niskayuna, N.Y., in 1961 after being transferred to GE in Schenectady, N.Y. He retired from GE in 1973 and was the recipient of the General Electric Award to Inventors. After his retirement, Mr. Marchand worked with Albany (N.Y.) International, for whom he designed factories and corporate offices around the world. He was a communicant of St. Mark's Church in Pittsfield, and a member of the Elfun Society. He leaves his wife of 62 years, the former Lena Marie Touchette; three sons, Paul Marchand of Round Lake, N.Y., Peter Marchand of Divide, Colo., and Phillip Marchand of Toronto, Ontario; a daughter, Claire Marchand of Cochise, Ariz.; a sister, Stella Mercier of Norwood; and four grandchildren. A memorial and committal service will conducted today, Dec. 11, at 11:45 at the chapel of Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, 2501 Troy Road, Niskayuna, N.Y. There will be no calling hours. ROCHE FUNERAL HOME, 120 Main St., Lenox, is in charge of arrangements.

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