Marvin Bladen of Jessup Maryland passed away on April 14, 2024 at the age of 93. He was born on November 10, 1930 in Arlington, VA. He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Bladen, his parents Frederick and Tera Bladen, and siblings Ralph Bladen, Temple Bladen, Fred Bladen and Tera (Marie) McCauley.
He is survived by his daughters Suzanne Speiser (husband Bill Speiser) and Nancy Morell (husband Rob Morell), grandchildren Lauren Speiser and Mary Morell, and his siblings Macy Dodson, Mildred Walker and Betty Lupton.
Marvin grew up in Arlington, VA as part of a large and loving family in the Bon Air neighborhood area. He graduated from Washington Lee HIgh School in 1948, serving as Sophomore Homeroom Class President, Junior Class Treasurer, Distributive Education Club Vice-President and he ran on the JV track team. He was known as a fast runner and was a designated outfielder and leadoff batter when playing softball as a young adult.
Marvin began working at a young age in the U.S. Post Office and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1951, served through the Korean War, and was honorably discharged in 1955. While serving in the Navy he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
Marvin began working in Arlington Hall and he and his wife, Mary, moved to Maryland as he continued his work at the Department of Defense from which he retired after 36 years. During this time he and his wife lovingly raised two daughters while becoming extensively involved in the Jessup community. Marvin served as a volunteer at the Jessup Volunteer Fire Department, Company 29, for over 47 years. While serving on the ambulance company for over 28 years, Marvin completed the first EMT class taught at North Arundel Hospital and also completed hospital training at Anne Arundel Hospital, which required attendance one night a week for 6-months. This program was possibly the forerunner of the now paramedic program. He was one of the two members who handled all of the night/early morning ambulance runs which gave him the honor of compiling the most runs (1500) during the existence of the ambulance company. Marvin assisted in drawing up the specifications for Jessup’s new ambulance (a 1965 Pontiac), which sent him to Philadelphia, PA for inspection of the new ambulance before delivery. He then chaired the committee to pay for the unit, which successfully raised $9,400.00. He served as Lieutenant of the ambulance company, President, and Vice President of the Board of Directors and was instrumental in the purchase and construction of the “new” fire house built in 1974 which is located on Blob’s Park Rd. Marvin was inducted into the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association Hall of Fame in 2011.
Marvin was also very active in the Jessup Improvement Association for many years, serving on the board and working hard to make many breakfasts, spaghetti dinners, BINGO events, the annual Jessup Day carnival and parade and other special activities successful. He was part of a 4-man crew that provided hands-on reconstruction to save the old Jessup Community Hall making it safe and functional again. In his younger years he also volunteered with the Jessup Provinces Youth Organization (JPYO), where he helped coach girls softball and trained his daughter, Nancy, to pitch.
Marvin continued to give to others by donating over 149 units of blood and platelets to the American Red Cross and volunteering as a driver with Partners in Care of Anne Arundel County donating 300 hours and 1200 miles.
Marvin attended church and Bible study at Wesley Chapel UMC, serving on the board in younger years. He was also a member of the Freemason’s Patmos-Solomon’s Lodge No. 70. He bowled for many years on both the Wesley Chapel bowling league and the fireman’s league.
Upon retirement Marvin played a lot of golf and traveled with his wife, Mary, extensively across the United States, visiting 49 of the 50 states including Alaska and Hawaii. They also enjoyed many bus trips around the country with the local Jessup group.
Marvin remained independent in his later years, and as a founding member of the TLC club he continued to attend weekly bingo at the Saint Lawrence Martyr Catholic Parish where he has many loving friends.
He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed.
A Visitation for Marvin will be held Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at Meadowridge Memorial Park, 7250 Washington Blvd, Elkridge, MD 21075, where a Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 11:00 AM.
Donations in Marvin’s memory may be made to:
Jessup Improvement Association
P.O. Box 751
Jessup, MD 20794
Partners in Care - Anne Arundel County
8151C Ritchie Hwy.
Pasadena, MD 21122
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