Marvin Theodore Kolin I, of Loganville, GA, beloved husband of Joanne Kolin, passed away April 23, 2019 at the age of 86. Born in Buffalo, New York, Marvin moved his family to Georgia in 1972. He was predeceased by his parents Ruth Naomi Kolin Palmer and Joseph Kolin, as well siblings Esther, Carl, Bill and Glen.
A hero in the eyes of his family, Marvin was a true hero to many others. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, he served as a combat medic in the Korean War. Continuing to help others selflessly, he became an ambulance driver in Buffalo. In 1963, Marvin dove into the Genesee River to save the life of a 3 year old child whose father had thrown him in during a custody dispute. As a special education school bus driver, he saved the life of a young child who stopped breathing on the bus. He was Santa to thousands of children every year at the Gwinnett County Historic Courthouse. In his lifetime, he received many awards and accolades although you would have never known it as he was a humble man. Marvin was an actor who appeared as an extra in several movies including “Silent Tribute” about the Gettysburg address. A storyteller, Marvin was on the Tour of Southern Ghosts at Stone Mountain Park for many years. An avid swimmer, Marvin was the first man to successfully swim across Lake Superior’s channel in 1952. Of course, it was his 3rd attempt - the first two ending in near disaster. Marvin was the epitome of the do-it-yourselfer. He believed that any problem could be solved with brute force and a 16 lb sledge hammer. Keeping busy was his mantra. His well manicured yard was the result of long hours, lots of sweat and years of stress for Joanne. Marvin could climb a tree with a riding lawnmower like nobody’s business. Well known for his sense of humor, Marvin never was one to pass up the opportunity for a laugh. His practical jokes and gag gifts, stories of cast iron pots and pans that came to life at night, and dad jokes were innumerable. You truly were part of the family if you received a real fire-hydrant disguised as a Christmas gift or the infamous Razzy Bailey album. His gifts to his beloved mother-in-law Gertrude Gardner are the stuff of legend.
Known affectionately as the “Grumpy One”, the Grump was larger than life and leaves behind a proud, many times bewildered but definitely laughing, family. Marvin married the love of his life Joanne on August 31, 1962. They were blessed with three children - Lori (Michael) Mofield, Michelle (Joe) Walker and Marvin (Shannon) Kolin II. Marvin also is father to Mary Kathryn (Kevin) Griffin from a previous marriage. He is grandfather to Christopher June, Kevin (Tawnya) June, John Mofield, Jacob Mofield, Robert (Kate) Riley, Rachel Riley, Stephanie Walker, Victoria (Dylan) Walker, Marvin T. Kolin III (Trey), Luke Kolin, Samantha Kolin, Kevin (Angelia) Griffin, Christopher (Genevieve) Griffin, Diana Farmer, Aurora (Michael)( Kurpicski; Great Grandchildren Tallulah Riley, Kiera Griffin, Kevin Griffin III (K3), Alison Griffin, Elliott Griffin, David Farmer, Griffin Farmer, Sarah Farmer, Rhiannon Kurpicski, Emily Kurpicski, and Nathan Kurpicski, sister-in-law Beverly (Bubbles) Kolin; siblings Joyce Cico, David Palmer, Karen Galde, Bruce Palmer; his best friend RL Griffith; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; as well as many “adopted” grandchildren and great grandchildren including Ashley (Tanis) Chiado and Oliver Chiado. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his honor to the Lewy Body Dementia Association or a local Veterans Service Organization.
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