Haverstraw, NY – The Haverstraw community celebrated the life and legacy of Bolivar Marchand, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and passionate advocate for the Hispanic community, with the dedication of Bolivar Marchand Way. This new street name serves as a permanent reminder of Marchand’s profound contributions to Haverstraw and Rockland County.
Rockland County Legislator Jay Hood Jr., who represents Haverstraw, led the dedication ceremony, emphasizing how Marchand’s impact still guides the community’s efforts for progress. “Bolivar wholeheartedly loved his community, and his example still guides us in our work to make Haverstraw and all of Rockland better places for everyone,” said Hood.
The event brought together Marchand’s relatives, friends, and local leaders, all eager to pay tribute to the man who gave so much to the community. Among those in attendance were Haverstraw Town Supervisor Howard Phillips, Sabrina Vargas-Greco, the first Latina to serve as Rockland County Commissioner of Jurors, and Haverstraw Village Mayor Mike Kohut, who later shared his thoughts after being unable to attend due to a fire call.
“Bolivar was a force of nature: loving father and grandfather, powerful activist, fierce Democrat, and a proud, proud Puerto Rican American,” Mayor Kohut said. “He served his country, his community, and his family for many years, and we are humbled and honored to recognize him by dedicating the street on which he lived as Bolivar Marchand Way.”
The newly dedicated street runs along Pratt Street in Haverstraw, the place where Marchand spent the majority of his life.
Vargas-Greco said, “This dedication is more than symbolic — it is a lasting tribute to the deep and enduring impact he has had on our community. His passion for service extended far beyond what many may know. The community he helped build is now brimming with pride.”
Marchand, originally from Puerto Rico, moved to Haverstraw as a teenager and lived there for nearly 70 years. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and later became a leading voice for the Hispanic community in Rockland County. Known for his efforts to bridge cultural gaps, Marchand organized cultural programs, brought Spanish-language films to local theaters, and launched Rockland’s first Spanish-language radio show.
He also played a pivotal role in the Rockland County Puerto Rican community, including organizing the county’s first float for the New York City Puerto Rican Day Parade, which helped inspire similar celebrations locally.
Marchand’s civic contributions also extended to politics. He was an advocate for voter registration and participated in many efforts to elect Haverstraw’s first Hispanic officials. His well-known slogan, “Go Vote, Go Vote!” encouraged civic participation, and his door-to-door efforts helped mobilize voters.
Marchand’s dedication to his community earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Rockland County Civil and Human Rights Hall of Fame in 2005. One of his proudest achievements was his work at Gerald F. Neary Elementary School, where he built lasting relationships with students and staff. The ceremony was attended by former Neary Principal Diana (Greco) Mauro and her son, Michael Greco, the first Latino U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of New York.
Phillips said, “I was blessed to know Bolivar and to call him a friend. He was one of our original Latino leaders and deeply proud of his heritage, his country, and his community. His life was about service, kindness, and lifting others up.”