Saratoga Springs, NY - Marcel Bernard Zucchino, 94, passed away peacefully at home on February 21, 2021.

Born and raised in Jersey City, he enlisted in the Army in WWII and then earned a degree from Newark College of Engineering. From his college yearbook, "…Marcel is a serious-minded individualist; however, he has a wry sense of humor, especially when he and Nelson cavort in class."

In 1951 Marcel married Margaret Mortensen. They lived in Long Branch, NJ, where Nancy was born. He took a job with Espey Mfg. and he and Margie soon moved to Saratoga Springs, NY where Steven was born. In 1967 Marcel formed his own business, Encore Electronics. He grew Encore for years, with longtime employees and clients, until he sold the company upon retirement.

He had a passion for tennis at the Eastside Rec courts, competitive sailing on Saratoga Lake, and classic steam trains. He took joy in handball at Kaydeross Park, roller-skating to live organ music, running with the Early Birds, ice boating, bicycling, skiing, horseback riding and more. In the 1960s Marcel formed and mentored a youth YMCA model railroad club. He was a founding member of the Saratoga Lake Sailing Club and the Adirondack Live Steam club. He was an active member of the Capital District Model Boat Association and the National Model Railroading Association. Marcel enjoyed attending live music and performance, and once, to our surprise, showed up on the Home Made Theater stage. He liked to help animals, and provided a loving home to many dogs over the years.

Win or lose, Marcel appreciated a game well played — with integrity, honor and good humor. He was generous and fair-minded, with a gentle, loving heart.

Marcel was predeceased by his wife in 2001, and leaves behind many loved ones including his children Nancy and Steven, his partner Muriel Finger, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, friends, and his cat now living with a family member.

Due to Covid restrictions, a memorial gathering has been delayed.

For those who'd like to make a donation in his memory, we suggest the Wilton Wildlife Preserve (wiltonpreserve.org), SmileTrain (smiletrain.org) or The Tewecado Trust (tewecado.org).

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.