Marc G. Willard
Marc G. Willard, 78 years old of Newtown, PA passed away on July 18th surrounded by his loving family. Marc was born in 1945 in Philadelphia, PA to the late George Morris and Isabell Guest Willard (Senner). Marc is also predeceased by his first wife Kathleen Regina Willard (Volz).
Marc grew up in Lower Moreland Township in Huntington Valley and graduated from the class of 1963 from Lower Moreland High School. He was active in Boy Scout and attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 1961. Marc joined the Navy in October of 1965 and completed his basic training in San Diego, California and then went onto Submarine School in New London Connecticut in April of 1966. He was assigned to diesel submarine USS Grouper and left active duty and 1969.
Marc married his late wife Kathleen Willard (Volz) and was married for 32 years until her passing. During his marriage to Kathleen he fathered two daughters and joined the Naval Reserve in which he achieved rank of Chief Petty Officer in 1982.Marc was the most senior enlisted person in the unit and was then named Command Chief or in submarine terms, Chief of the Boat. Marc then retired from the reserves in 1993 giving him 23 years of dedication to the United States Navy.
Marc was a member of the American Legion for 58 years, holding numerous positions, including District Commander from 2012 to 2015. One of Marc's greatest joys was his service to his fellow veterans, both through his work with the American Legion and his years with the Guardians of the National Cemetery at Washington Crossing. He joined the Guardians in 2012 as a member of the Friday Honor Guard team, rendering military honors to our nation’s heroes. Marc also managed an unaccompanied service for six years, organizing services for unclaimed veterans being buried at Washington Crossing, where the community would come out to honor them before he turned it over to his partner on the Thursday team.
Additionally, Marc volunteered in the Cemetery Administration Office on Thursdays, helping families during the interment process. His dedication, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his community and fellow veterans have left an indelible mark on all of us. He exemplified the highest ideals of service, and his memory will forever remain in our hearts.
Marc is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Paula L. Willard (Ewald); two daughters, Heather Lynn Coble and husband Martin of Beech Grove, IN., Sarah Kathleen Jarzembowski and husband Paul of Bowie, MD and Paula’s son, Philip Mirabile of Doylestown, PA.; brothers, Kim P. Willard and wife Gena and Paul M. Willard and wife Susan; loving granddaughter, Ivy Smith and husband Anthony.
Friends and family are invited to visit on July 31st from 9am-11am at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 877 Street Road, Southampton, PA. A funeral service will follow. Interment will take place at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA with military honors. In lieu of flowers Marc requested donations be made in his name to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Memorial Fund at 877 Street Road, Southampton, PA 18966 or online at https://www.gslconline.org.
Morning Visitation
Wednesday, July 31st, 2024
9:00 AM - 11:00 AMGood Shepherd Lutheran Church
877 Street Road
Southampton, PA 18966Funeral Service
Wednesday, July 31st, 2024
11:00 AMGood Shepherd Lutheran Church
877 Street Road
Southampton, PA 18966Interment
Wednesday, July 31st, 2024
1:30 PM - 2:00 PMWashington Crossing National Cemetery
830 Highland Road
Newtown, PA 18940