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Legislator Hood: ‘Bolivar Marchand’s Example Still Guides Us’

Street Dedication Honors Cherished Community Leader

A cherished figure in the Haverstraw community has been permanently honored with the dedication of Bolivar Marchand Way, recognizing the lasting contributions of a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and passionate advocate for the Hispanic community.

“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 County Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr., who represents Haverstraw and led the dedication ceremony.

The event drew many of Marchand’s relatives, friends, and local leaders, including Haverstraw Town Supervisor Howard Phillips and Sabrina Vargas-Greco, the first Latina to serve as Rockland County Commissioner of Jurors.

Haverstraw Village Mayor Mike Kohut, unable to attend due to a fire call, later shared his remarks.

“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 Bolivar Marchand Way runs along Pratt Street.

“Bolivar was an extraordinary person,” Commissioner 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.”

Born in Puerto Rico, Marchand moved to Haverstraw as a teenager and lived there for some 70 years, until his death at age 86 in 2016. 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 building bridges and empowering others, Marchand organized cultural programs, brought Spanish-language films to local theaters, hosted concerts featuring artists like Johnny Ventura, and launched the county’s first Spanish-language radio show. He also helped organize Rockland’s first float in the NYC Puerto Rican Day Parade, inspiring similar celebrations locally.

His contributions earned numerous accolades, including induction into the Rockland County Civil and Human Rights Hall of Fame in 2005. He was especially proud of his work at Gerald F. Neary Elementary School, where he formed deep bonds with students and staff. Among those at the ceremony were former Neary Principal Diana (Greco) Mauro and her son, Michael Greco, the first Latino U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of New York.

Marchand also played a key role in electing Haverstraw’s first Hispanic officials, urging civic participation with his well-known call to action: “Go Vote, Go Vote!” He led registration drives, tirelessly knocked on doors, and personally drove voters to the polls.

Through culture, advocacy, and political and civic engagement, Bolivar Marchand opened doors for generations of Rockland’s Latino community.

“I was blessed to know Bolivar and to call him a friend,” Supervisor Phillips said. “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.”

Family, friends, elected officials and others joined together for the dedication of Bolivar Marchand Way, in recognition of a beloved local leader.  

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